Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Located in the state of Maryland, Bethesda is a mid-sized city with a population of 66,466 people. With a population density of 5,012 people per square mile, Bethesda is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of Bethesda residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Bethesda, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 29 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Bethesda is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Maryland, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Bethesda and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.
Bethesda has a livability score of 79/100 and is ranked #53 in Maryland and #1,748 in the USA. Clearly, Bethesda is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Another exciting tidbit, is that Bethesda ranks better than 90% of all US cities! For each of the livability categories, we know that Bethesda ranks very well for crime (A), education (A+) and housing (B). There is at least one category that did not score well in Bethesda. The following was graded with a disappointing score: cost of living (F).
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Bethesda has an unemployment rate of 2.4% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Bethesda schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Bethesda an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Bethesda has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Bethesda is actually affordable. The median home price for Bethesda homes is $1,665,286, which is 221.8% higher than the Maryland average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bethesda, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.5, which is 41.3% higher than the Maryland average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Bethesda | Maryland | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 32min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 52.8% | 73.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 14.9% | 8.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.8% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.9% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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