SperlingViews - Bethesda, Maryland

Essentially an upscale suburb of Washington DC. Public transport is easy, there's plenty to do (though with none of the edginess of living closer in DC) and it's minutes from all the nation's capital has to offer. Many areas are typical 1950s center hall colonials updated by Bethesda's upper middle class residents.[read more...]

We are a couple with no children about to move to Bethesda and seem to only find data on cost of living index comparisons between Bethesda and other cities. We are wondering what is the real dollar-based cost of living in Bethesda in a 2 bedroom apartment and commuting to DC?[read more...]

There's a great bike/walk/jog path through Bethesda which is a continuous path from DC and extends through other neighboring communities.[read more...]

Great location and amenities. Real estate prices high. One of Washington, DC's 1st suburbs, Bethesda is adjacent to the District and has nice old neighborhoods w/ mature trees and traditional homes. Downtown Bethesda is a lively destination for area residents. It offers live theatre, a great cinema, art galleries and outdoor sculptures, oodles of restaurants, shopping, and public parking garages. The Capital Crescent hike/bike trail runs through it. Downtown DC is a 20-25 minute MetroRail ride away (a huge benefit). In recent years, soaring housing costs in metro DC have been acute in desirable, close-in areas like Bethesda, making it unaffordable for many/most people. Builders buy modest sized homes to tear down for McMansions. Popularization of urban lifestyle is bringing new life to downtown Bethesda but new condos can be $800+/SF. The climate is wonderful: 4 seasons w/o extremes. Bethesda's central location is good for reaching the entire metro area. Traffic within Bethesda isn't bad, but the metro area overall is terrible (check national rankings). Montgomery County government and school system are excellent. Life in Bethesda is very good indeed.[read more...]

If you are considering moving to Bethesda, get ready for some astronomical housing prices as well as consderable growth in the area. We bought our house for $300k in 1998 and we can get over $900k for it now. However, it's impossible to upgrade as all houses in the area have appreciated the same. It's afairly liberal area, with lots to do. But the pace is tough; people are workaholics and, being a suburb of DC, way too serious. We like it here, but are considering moving to be able to enjoy life a bit more and not always worry about work and the fast pace.[read more...]

Although the area has lots of culture, great restuarants and is beutiful, the housing cost is sky high![read more...]

I agree. Bethesda has it all. Great restaurants, shops, independent movie house, playhouse, etc...But one of the best perks is the Capital Cresent Trail runs right through Bethesda. Once you are on the trail you can access, Georgetown, C&0 Canel, Silver Springs and Rock Creek Park. Being on this trail you would never know you are in a crowded urban environment. It's a great place to bike ride, walk or run and relieve stress after a hectic workday.[read more...]

A real downtown with street life and people watching. Restaurants of every variety. Interesting, unique shops. Plus easy access to the whole DC metro area.[read more...]

Hi! I'm thinking of moving to Raleigh from the Washington, DC area. I read some of the comments and I don't know what to think. What's Raleigh (the job market, cost of living, lifestyle, etc.) really like? Your honest feedback would really help. Thanks, Nicole[read more...]

Bethesda offers easy access to DC[read more...]