BETHESDA
Welcome to Bethesda
A radiant hub for culture and commercial outings, this top DC community teaches a masterclass on how to blend suburban tranquility and urban fun.
Just north of the flowing waters of the Potomac River, the urban jewel of Bethesda is one of the most revered communities in the Washington DC metropolitan area. An invigorating blend of upscale shopping centers and epicurean eats brings in visitors from all over DC looking to take advantage of the cornucopia of dazzling commercial offerings.
As an unincorporated community, Bethesda has no official boundaries but is typically considered as the large district bounded by I-485, Capital Beltway, Connecticut Avenue, and the Potomac River to the south. What was once a community too far out to enjoy a plethora of big-city amenities has now developed into an urban core of its own, replete with high-rise buildings, a thriving business sector, and an enchanting assortment of commercial venues.
Buyers who look to Bethesda often come in search of the area’s signature homes: large, spacious estates and single-family homes placed within walking distance of Downtown. From historic homes and mid-century Colonials to multimillion-dollar, single-family new-builds and sophisticated Downtown condos, the community provides a great deal of housing diversity for potential owners.
What to Love
· A convenient Metro Red Line station that leads to most of the greater DC area
· Next door to other commercial havens like Silver Spring and only 30 minutes from Downtown Washington DC
· Low-key residential living with fantastic retail and dining at your fingertips
Local Lifestyle
For all its urban amenities, Bethesda is able to retain a refreshing level of serenity. A peaceful atmosphere of quiet ease takes place outside of the area’s commercial districts, where idyllic residential neighborhoods appeal to all. Anyone from retirees to new entrepreneurs will fall in love with the balance of energy in Bethesda, as well as its close proximity to Washington DC's attractions.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
The majority of retail options and restaurants in Bethesda can be found around the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Wisconsin Avenue, an area that acts as the community’s central Downtown. One of the most popular destinations Downtown is Bethesda Row, the highly lauded upscale mall that houses a movie theater, restaurants, and spa facilities in addition to its collection of high-end shops.
Amid the glittering fairy lights that hang over the space between two historic buildings, Bethesda Row delights its visitors with sophisticated dining and outdoor seating options. Among the most notable restaurants in both Bethesda Row and the community in general, Mon Ami Gabby has a sumptuous menu of authentic French cuisine. Outside of Bethesda Row, locations like Olazzo stand out. At Olazzo, a rustic-chic, neighborhood atmosphere is paired with the authentic, homestyle Italian cuisine that’s certain to satisfy.
A short walk north leads to the Waverly Street Gallery, a renowned, fine art gallery that’s both one of the oldest in DC and one of the most influential. Its exhibits span across a variety of genres, from jewelry and sculptures to photography and paintings.
Things to Do
Fans of music or theater will also have their fill of opportunities for excitement in Bethesda, thanks to the area’s many performance venues. The Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club is a unique establishment situated inside an Art Deco theater that serves up classic American and Creole dishes while diners are entertained by top-notch jazz performers. For community theater that’s on par with the greats, residents will want to visit the Round House Theater for stellar local performances.
Continuing in the creative theme, each year, Bethesda hosts the Bethesda Row Arts Festival. A convivial affair, this event is the DC area’s premier outdoor fine arts festival and showcases creations from more than 180 artists around the country.
Schools
Bethesda is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
· Holton-Arms School, 3-12, highly rated private, an all-girls school known as the top private high school in Maryland
· Landon School, 3-12, highly rated private, an all-boys school known as the #1 private all-boys high school in Maryland