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Bethesda, MD

Frequently asked questions

Bethesda, MD

Bethesda is an unincorporated, census-designated place in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It is located just northwest of Washington, D.C. According to the 2020 U.S. census, the community had a total population of 68,056.  It takes its name from a local church, the Bethesda Meeting House (1820, rebuilt 1849), which in turn took its name from Jerusalem's Pool of Bethesda. The National Institutes of Health's main campus and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center are in Bethesda, in addition to several corporate and government headquarters.

Bethesda is located in the traditional territory of the Indigenous Native Piscataway and Nacotchtank at the time of European colonization. Fur trader Henry Fleet became the first European to visit the area, reaching it by sailing up the Potomac River. He stayed with the Piscataway tribe from 1623 to 1627, either as a guest or prisoner (historical accounts differ). Fleet eventually secured funding for another expedition to the region and was later granted proprietary rights to 2,000 acres of land in the nascent colony and became a member of Maryland's colonial legislature. Raids from the Senecas and Susquehannock resulted in the creation of the Maryland Division of Rangers in 1694 to patrol the frontier. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 13.2 square miles (34 km²), of which 13.1 square miles (34 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km²) (0.38%) is water. The main commercial corridor that passes through Bethesda is Maryland Route 355 (known as Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda and as Rockville Pike and Hungerford Drive in more northern communities), which, to the north, connects Bethesda with the communities of North Bethesda and Rockville, ending, after several name changes, in Frederick. Toward the South, Rockville Pike becomes Wisconsin Avenue near the NIH Campus and continues beyond Bethesda through Chevy Chase, Friendship Heights, and into Washington, D.C., ending in Georgetown. 

The area commonly known as Downtown Bethesda is centered at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue, Old Georgetown Road, and East-West Highway. This intersection is about two and one-half miles from Washington, D.C.'s western boundary, making Bethesda a close-in suburb of the nation's capital. Other focal points of downtown Bethesda include the Woodmont Triangle, bordered by Old Georgetown Road (Maryland Route 187), Woodmont and Rugby Avenues, and the Bethesda Row, centered at the intersection of Woodmont Avenue and Bethesda Avenue. Much of the dense construction in that area followed the opening of the Bethesda station on the Red Line of the Washington Metro Rapid Transit system, also located at this intersection and the centerpiece of the Bethesda Metro Center development. The Medical Center Metro stop lies about 0.7 miles north of the Bethesda stop, Medical Center, which serves the NIH Campus, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Bethesda places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Suburban Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine improves the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research, and clinical care. Bethesda Fitness offers personalized training programs tailored to individual needs, promoting overall fitness and well-being. Begin your fitness journey at Equinox, renowned for its upscale facilities and personalized training programs. For comprehensive wellness, Onelife Fitness provides a range of fitness classes and amenities. Dive into aquatic fitness at Montgomery Aquatic Center with its Olympic-sized pool and programs. Stay active outdoors on the trails at Cabin John Regional Park, perfect for hiking and biking. The Mindfulness Center provides classes and workshops focusing on mental and emotional well-being. Engage in martial arts and self-defense at Bethesda Boxing & Kickboxing Academy.

Top sites in Bethesda, MD are Bethesda Row, Cabin John Regional Park, and Waverly Street Gallery

Population: 67,403 (2023). ZIP codes: 20817, 20800–20899. Area codes: 301, 240. Elevation: 318 ft (97 m). Area: 13.2 square miles (34 km²)

FAQs

Why is Bethesda, MD so expensive?

Bethesda can have a fairly high cost of living since it’s so close to Washington, D.C., which has the seventh-highest home price per square foot in the U.S. It’s important to know that, even though the cost of living is high, the median household income is also high at $164,142 and an individual median income of $85,244. Plus, a seasoned real estate agent will be able to find affordable residential accommodations for those looking in the area, whether to rent or own.

Is Bethesda, MD a good place to live?

Bethesda is in Montgomery County and is one of the best places to live in Maryland. Living in Bethesda offers residents an urban feel and most residents own their homes. In Bethesda, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and retirees live in Bethesda and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Bethesda are highly rated.

What are the demographics of Bethesda, MD?

As of the census of 2000, there were 55,277 people, 23,659 households, and 14,455 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 4,205.8 inhabitants per square mile (1,623.9/km²). There were 24,368 housing units at an average density of 1,854.1 per square mile (715.9/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 85.86% White, 2.67% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 7.92% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.23% from other races, and 2.11% from two or more races. 5.43% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Sources

Wikipedia

Montgomery County

Niche

Nomadic Real Estate

Bethesda Row

Cabin John Regional Park

Waverly Street Gallery

Suburban Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine

Bethesda Fitness

Equinox

Onelife Fitness

Montgomery Aquatic Center

Cabin John Regional Park

The Mindfulness Center

Bethesda Boxing & Kickboxing Academy

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.