Real Estate Blog

Bethesda vs. Arlington: Which Is the Better Place to Buy a Home?

If you’re considering buying a home in the Washington, DC metro area, Bethesda, MD, and Arlington, VA, are two prime locations that offer a blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. Both boast excellent school systems, vibrant communities, and strong real estate markets. But which one aligns best with your needs? Let’s delve into key factors—home prices, lifestyle, schools, taxes, and more—to help you decide.

1. Home Prices & Housing Market

Bethesda, MD

• Median Home Sale Price (as of Dec 2024): $1,057,167 (Zillow)

• Median Listing Price (as of Jan 2025): $1,500,000 (Realtor.com)

• Housing Types: Primarily single-family homes, with some condos and townhomes

• Market Trend: Low inventory and high demand, leading to strong appreciation

Bethesda’s housing market leans toward the high-end spectrum, featuring multi-million-dollar estates in neighborhoods like Edgemoor and Bradley Hills. Even smaller single-family homes often start at $800K or more.

Arlington, VA

• Median Home Sale Price (as of Dec 2024): $726,667 (Zillow)

• Median Listing Price (as of Jan 2025): $765,000 (Realtor.com)

• Housing Types: A diverse mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes

• Market Trend: Competitive, with new developments adding supply

Arlington offers a broader range of housing options, providing more affordable entry points, especially in areas like Ballston, Clarendon, and Columbia Pike, where condos start around $400K-$500K.

Winner: Arlington for affordability; Bethesda for luxury and investment potential

2. Commute & Public Transportation

Bethesda, MD

• Metro Access: Red Line (Bethesda, Medical Center, Grosvenor-Strathmore stations)

• Driving Distance to DC: Approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic

• Bike-Friendly: Yes—Capital Crescent Trail provides a convenient bike route into DC

Arlington, VA

• Metro Access: Multiple lines—Orange, Silver, and Blue (Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Crystal City, etc.)

• Driving Distance to DC: Approximately 10-20 minutes

• Bike-Friendly: Yes—Mount Vernon Trail and Custis Trail offer excellent biking routes

Average Commute Times:

• Bethesda to Downtown DC: Approximately 40 minutes by Metro; 25 minutes by car (without traffic)

• Arlington to Downtown DC: Approximately 25 minutes by Metro; 15 minutes by car (without traffic)

Winner: Arlington—shorter commute and better Metro access

3. Schools & Education

Bethesda, MD (Montgomery County Public Schools - MCPS)

• Top Public Schools:

1. Walt Whitman High School: Rated 10/10 on GreatSchools, with a 4.5/5 community rating.  
2. Walter Johnson High School: Rated 9/10 on GreatSchools.
3. Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School: Rated 8/10 on GreatSchools. 

• Private Schools: Holton-Arms, Landon, Georgetown Prep (GreatSchools)

Arlington, VA (Arlington Public Schools - APS)

• Top Public Schools:

1. Yorktown High School: Rated 9/10 on GreatSchools, with a 3.4/5 community rating. 
2. Washington-Liberty High School: Rated 6/10 on GreatSchools.
3. Wakefield High School: Rated 6/10 on GreatSchools.

4. Lifestyle & Amenities

Bethesda, MD

• Vibe: Suburban with a quieter nightlife

• Dining & Shopping:

• Bethesda Row: High-end shopping and restaurants
• Pike & Rose: Mixed-use development with nightlife and entertainment
• Montgomery Mall: Macy's, Nordstrom and other retailers and food court

• Outdoor Spaces:

• Capital Crescent Trail: Biking/walking path to Georgetown
• Cabin John Regional Park

Arlington, VA

• Vibe: Urban/suburban mix with a vibrant nightlife

• Dining & Shopping:

• Clarendon & Ballston: Areas known for bars, restaurants, and shopping
• Pentagon City Mall: High-end retail options
• Rosslyn dining: Salt, Sfoglina, Barley Mac

• Outdoor Spaces:

• Mount Vernon Trail (biking/walking along the Potomac)
• Gravelly Point (watch planes take off from DCA)
• Theodore Roosevelt Island

Winner: Bethesda for suburban lifestyle, Arlington for urban conveniences

5. Taxes & Cost of Living

Winner: Tie—VA has lower taxes, but the car tax makes a difference

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

✅ Choose Bethesda if you want:

✔️ A quieter, more suburban lifestyle

✔️ A larger home or luxury property

✅ Choose Arlington if you want:

✔️ A shorter commute to DC

✔️ A more walkable, urban feel

✔️ A lower home price with more condo & townhome options

Real Estate Takeaway:

• Bethesda = higher home prices but long-term investment value

• Arlington = better for first-time buyers

What do you think? Which one do you prefer—Bethesda or Arlington? Let me know in the comments below!