There are so many high end neighborhoods in Bethesda, but I think these 5 are the BEST! They all have unique features and appeal to different people depending on their criteria. So, let’s just dive in!
Edgemoor
Located at the edge of downtown Bethesda, the community of Edgemoor is perhaps one of the most desirable residential areas in Montgomery County. Edgemoor was established in the early 1900s and has always drawn its identity from its proximity to downtown Bethesda. Edgemoor is within walking distance of the restaurants and bars of Bethesda Row and offers a short commute to downtown Washington and Northern Virginia. The Bethesda Metro station is also in walking distance, and a bustling social life is available through the Edgemoor Club, a private swim and tennis club, and the Edgemoor Citizens Association, which sponsors events throughout the year.
Walk Score of 80 and Bike Score of 84
Population: 3169
Schools: Bethesda Elementary or Bradley Hills Elementary, Pyle Middle or Westland Middle and Whitman High school OR BCC High School depending on the house location
Median Sale Price: $2,650,000
Year Built: 1923-2021
NO HOA
Bannockburn
Bannockburn is a historic residential neighborhood in Bethesda located just 2.8 miles north of DC, and only 2 miles east of downtown Bethesda.
Bannockburn also takes pride in its inclusive, close-knit community, excellent schools, proximity to natural attractions and downtown Washington, DC, and plethora of residents who have lived here for decades. The residents use the historic “Clubhouse” as a central gathering place and host key rituals such as a newcomers’ dinner, a Halloween party and an annual satirical musical revue called “the Spring Show.” As many of the residents in Bannockburn like to say, “Bannockburn is less a place than it is a state of mind.”
Being “close in” means that Bannockburn commuters can get downtown easily via car or the many Ride On buses or Metrobuses that run on the MacArthur corridor. Both Bethesda and Friendship Heights Metro stations are about four miles away. Residents enjoy riding on the bike path that runs along MacArthur, or going to the nearby C & O Canal towpath. In the summer, many families (along with those from neighboring communities) belong to one of the two private swimming pools in the neighborhood, Bannockburn and Merrimack. And the Potomac River offers a natural spot for kayakers.
Population: 3856
Schools: Bannockburn Elem, Pyle Middle, Whitman High School
Med Sale price: $1,200,000
Year Built: 1939-2021
NO HOA
Bradley Hills
Bradley Hills is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Bethesda. Located along Bradley Boulevard as it winds south from the Beltway and west of Old Georgetown Road, Bradley Hills also offers diverse architectural styles. Homes range from large estates with expansive lawns lining Bradley to Cape Cods, colonials and postmodern houses. The homes are tucked into private wooded settings on winding streets but are a short drive to Suburban Hospital or downtown Bethesda. Originally platted in two stages in 1913 and 1951, Bradley Hills still has some vestiges of its rural past. Bradley Hills is primarily made up of medium sized (three or four bedroom) to large (four, five or more bedroom) single-family homes. Many of the residences in the Bradley Hills neighborhood are older, well-established, built between 1940 and 1969. A number of residences were also built before 1940.
Schools: Bethesda or Bradley Hills Elementary, Pyle or Westland Middle, Whitman or BCC High School depending on house location.
Median Sale Price: $1,365,500
Year Built: 1931-2021
NO HOA
Westmoreland Hills
Westmoreland Hills sits at Montgomery County’s southern border, abutting Northwest Washington, D.C. As its name suggests, the gracious homes that make up this neighborhood are located in a hilly area – some gently rolling, and some quite steep. Take a leisurely stroll or engage in a robust game of tennis in Westmoreland Park, the central hub of the neighborhood and an outdoor oasis for residents. Westmoreland Hills Local Park features a playground, softball field, multi- use field, basketball court and two tennis courts. Westmoreland Hills is also known for its commitment to maintain a sense of tradition and involvement, with many residents taking an active role to maintain a close-knit community. With convenient access to the Massachusetts Ave corridor and Metrobus, Westmoreland Hills provides easy access to downtown convenience while remaining an enclave of its own. Some homes in the neighborhood offer walkability to the Friendship Heights Metro.
Schools: Westbrook Elementary, Westland Middle, BCC High School
Median Sale Price: $1,500,750
Year Built: 1933-1976
Sometimes HOA – depends on house
Burning Tree
Burning Tree is filled with luxurious single-family homes with lots of space and opportunity for privacy. Developed originally in the 1950’s and 1960’s, the Burning Tree area of Bethesda boasts homes with some of the largest lot sizes and square footage. Many homes are sited on grounds of over ½ acre, with some on lots as large as 1.5 acres. While there are many original homes in the Burning Tree area, there is also an abundance of newer, custom construction. In many cases, the value of the original homes is in the land upon which they were built. Surrounding the area are two country clubs, Burning Tree and Bethesda, which create much potential for socialization and recreation. With its easy access to downtown Bethesda, work centers in Northern Virginia and DC, and its nationally ranked schools, prices in the Burning Tree area of Bethesda can range from just under $1M to several million dollars. Conveniently located by 495, this area has quiet properties without being too far away from the city.
Schools: Burning Tree Elementary, Pyle Middle, Whitman High School
Median Sale Price: $1,289,000
Year Built: 1955-2021
NO HOA