Living in Bethesda, DC: Neighborhood Guide

Welcome to Bethesda

World-class shopping and fine dining in a vibrant city.

While Bethesda benefits from its close proximity to Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia, this dynamic town is a destination in its own right. From the vibrant retail and culinary scenes to the thriving economy and cultured community, Bethesda has plenty to offer.

Considered one of the wealthiest areas in the country, Bethesda consistently ranks as highly livable, in part because of the community’s civic engagement. Residents tend to be involved in charitable, nonprofit, and volunteer work and this bright city reaps the rewards of that commitment.

Once named Darcy's Store, after Mr. William E. Darcy, proprietor of a local general store, Bethesda was renamed, in 1871, by a postmaster who took the moniker from the local Presbyterian Church. Bethesda has come a long way, and so have its homes. Now boasting a variety of homes, high-end condos, single-family homes, and luxury townhouses, some complete with rooftop terraces and garages, this buzzy town has something for everyone.

What to Love

Dynamic community
Central location
Easy access to nearby D.C and Virginia
Thriving boutique and bistro scene

People and Lifestyle

Bethesda residents tend to be highly educated and often work in nearby Washington, DC — although considering the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies, including Marriott and Lockheed Martin, call Bethesda home, there is more than enough opportunity right here for young professionals and seasoned executives alike.

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

Bethesda Row is one of the hottest Metro area spots for shopping and dining. This celebrated, upscale mall offers a variety of trendy retail shops, restaurants, and a movie theater, making this a one-stop destination for family outings or date night. Taste the delicate flavors of French macarons at Ladurée, or indulge in Spanish comfort food at the Spanish Diner. The Mussel Bar and Grille offers a wide range of casual dining fare that include grilled and wood-fired dishes of meats, fish, and pizzas, seasonal salads, and crafted desserts, while Georgetown Cupcake is a local favorite for decadent sweet treats.

Shopping is no slouch, either, at this famed retail haven. Anthropologie & Co. offers a unique, eclectic selection of apparel, shoes and accessories, beauty and wellness, home and furniture, and the area’s first Terrain Cafe in this lush three-floor mecca to boho chic. Indochino is at the forefront of revolutionizing men’s apparel, while Salt and Sundry is a home and lifestyle boutique showcasing global goods from independent designers.

Things to Do

Not to be outdone, Bethesda’s nature and special event scene are as showy as its shopping. Lace up your running shoes and hit the trail the Capital Crescent Trail, that is. This shared-use path is over seven miles long and runs from Bethesda to Georgetown.

The neighborhood’s dynamic culinary scene is on display at Taste of Bethesda, an annual festival showcasing some of Bethesda’s best restaurants. There are also five stages of live entertainment to enjoy while you nosh. Friday evenings are for live music with the Summer Concert Series, while May belongs to the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival, which features the nation’s top artists, live music, and gourmet cuisine.

The Bethesda Central Farm Market is open year-round and features over 100 vendors and artisan food producers, music, local Maryland winery and farm brewery tastings, kids’ club activities, chef demos, and much more. Bethesda Country Club offers world-class golf and tennis, pools for swimming and diving, and state-of-the-art fitness resources. The club also boasts an upscale club grill, a poolside cabana, and a casual cafe.

Schools

Bethesda is home to the Montgomery County school district, one of the top school districts in the country. Bethesda is also home to a group of stellar private schools, including: