Welcome to Bethesda
Getting ahead in a relaxed fashion.
For much of the 19th Century, Bethesda was nothing more than a country crossroads named after a local church, but it grew steadily after the installation of a streetcar between the more prosperous towns of Georgetown and Rockville. After World War II, the National Naval Hospital and the National Institutes of Health were built in the area, and Bethesda flooded with federal workers, military personnel and contractors. Today it’s grown into a vibrant community in its own right with several corporate headquarters and a high-density downtown.
While this DC suburb used to be well on the fringes of urban life and entertainment, today’s Bethesda is anything but boring. With a bustling, pedestrian-friendly downtown featuring high-end dining and shops, this self-confident community is on the move.
What to Expect
Idyllic residential living with downtown options.
Bethesda’s wide side streets and large houses feel far away from the stress of Washington, while its downtown core has options for those who want a higher energy lifestyle. The whole town has a very efficient public transportation system with Metro and bus service, but traffic is still an issue along Wisconsin Avenue and Old Georgetown Road. From parking to shopping to an abundance of medical care and professional services, Bethesda combines the conveniences of the suburbs with the urbanity of a small city.
