Located just northwest of Washington DC, Bethesda Maryland has existed in some form or fashion for centuries, beginning as a spot situated along an ancient Native American trail, then as a crossroads for early fur traders in North America.
Its history continued as a tobacco farming community and as a small crossroads village, and the arrival of the DC streetcars brought economic prosperity and growth to the area, as it did for many towns along the route. Today, Bethesda is considered one of the most educated and affluent towns in the US.
Bethesda: Educated & Prosperous
Much of Bethesda’s reputation as a hub of highly educated professionals come from the industries in the area. From the National Institutes of Health to Lockheed Martin, from Coventry Healthcare to Marriott Hotels International, Bethesda is host to a range of engineering, health, hospitality, legal, and financial powerhouses.
With its proximity to DC, Bethesda is also home to a number of ambassadorial residences, including those of Bangladesh, Cape Verde, Guyana, Honduras, Lesotho, Morocco, Nicaragua, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe.
As you might expect with such a highly sophisticated citizenry, Bethesda’s arts scene is booming. From film festivals to mural projects to songwriting contents, there is no limit to the places your talent can take you. Legendary venue Strathmore is here, as well as Round House Theatre and Imagination Stage. In addition, there are museums like Ratner and Waverly galleries.
Sports & Recreation
For the sports-minded, Bethesda is home to one of golf’s greatest and most storied courses. Congressional Country Club has been the site of many major tournaments, including the 2011 US Open as well as numerous AT&T National tournaments. Many US Presidents have been members and others have played at Congressional while they were in office.
For those who want to stay active, you’ll find one of the best parks in the area at Cabin John Regional Park. The park features a huge playground, a miniature train, and the Cabin John Ice Rink. There are hiking trails and a campground for nature lovers, while the park is also home to the Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center.
Dining and Retail Therapy
Bethesda has some great shopping, with upscale shops to be found at Bethesda Row. Boutiques here include Warby Parker, Lululemon, North Face, and others as well as a variety of great restaurants, spas and salons, cinema, and more. Events are scheduled throughout the year as well, so there is always something fun to do.
The food scene in Bethesda, as in the rest of the DC metro, is among the best in the country. Jose Andres’s beloved Jaleo is here, showing why it created the passionate small plates fandom. If you love authentic French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi will make you swoon, with classic French dishes and truly worthy wine selection.
The emphasis on international tastes continues with Passage to India which elevates Indian cooking to an art form all its own. Kapnos Kouzina is a fun and fabulous Greek Taverna (get the whole fried chicken–you’ll thank me).
Looking for a great place to relax with a drink after work? Bryan Voltaggio’s Range creates craft cocktails as complex as the finest gourmet foods. Robert Wiedmaier’s Wildwood Kitchen has a daily Happy Hour and a cocktail menu that will have you struggling to pick a favorite. And check out Barrel + Crow’s Happy Hour, with a menu you won’t believe including Crab Beignets with Old Bay Tartar–what could be more Maryland?
Real Estate in Bethesda Maryland
Real Estate in the area features a vast array of layouts and prices. You can still get a condo or townhome in some areas for under $200K, a steal by DC standards. Of course, there are also incredible luxury homes throughout the area in both condos and sprawling estates, and a great deal of New Construction to choose from.
If you’re looking to make Bethesda your new home, let us know! Sign in at our website and let one of our agents create a custom search tailored to your specifications. We love helping you find the right home and the right neighborhood for you and your family.