Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Bethesda

Living in the Washington, D.C., area is an experience unlike any other. Not only are you minutes from some of the nation's most impressive monuments and museums, but living in Washington, D.C., presents career opportunities you will not find anywhere else. While many people live in DC's most well-known neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill or Georgetown, others are venturing to communities outside the city. One such area is Bethesda, Maryland. Named one of the 20 best places to live in the nation, Bethesda has many features people love about living in Washington, D.C., but without the hustle and bustle of city living.

Located northwest of Washington, D.C., Bethesda used to be one of the area's best-kept secrets. Today, it is considered one of DC's most highly sought-after neighborhoods, with publications such as Money Magazine giving the Maryland city additional press. Explore the high-end boutiques on Bethesda Row or bike on the Capital Crescent Trail — there are so many things to discover in beautiful Bethesda! If you're considering moving to Bethesda, here's everything you need to know about living here.

At first glance, the difference between living in Bethesda and living in Washington, D.C., feels like night and day. While Washington, D.C., has well over 600,000 people, Bethesda has around 65,000 residents who call this Maryland city home. Yet, many of the positive traits people love about living in Washington, D.C., including arts and culture, can be found right here in Bethesda. Bethesda is home to some of the area's best art galleries, including Studio B and Triangle Art Studios, among many others. Along with its many art galleries, here are some of the many reasons why people love living in Bethesda:

As one of Maryland's most affluent communities, Bethesda residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life rarely found elsewhere. Not only do Bethesda residents have direct access to and from Washington, D.C., but Bethesda is also a vibrant city in its own right, with nearly every luxury amenity imaginable. If a quality suburban lifestyle just minutes from Washington, D.C., is what you are after, look no further than Bethesda.

Did you know Bethesda is famous? Not only is it considered one of the best places to live in the country, but Bethesda also served as a filming location for famous movies, including The Pelican Brief and The Blair Witch Project. Striking a delicate balance between urban and suburban living, Bethesda is the perfect place for those who want to live in a more residential area but without sacrificing the luxury amenities found in big cities. Bethesda is also known for its prominence in the medical field, as it is home to Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Center, and the National Institutes of Health.

When moving to a new community, one of the most significant factors many consider is the overall cost of living. For many, one of the biggest draws to Bethesda is the exceptional quality of life. Compared to many surrounding communities, Bethesda is known for its excellent restaurants and high-end shops. It also has access to some of the best healthcare in the country, thanks to its many prominent hospitals. Combining these factors with its proximity to Washington, D.C., living in Bethesda comes at a premium. Bethesda's overall cost of living is over 40% higher than the national average, thanks to its housing and transportation costs.

Bethesda may be considered a Washington, D.C., suburb, but that doesn't mean you have to venture out to the capital to find world-class entertainment. Whether you love high-end shopping and dining or prefer a night out at the theater, there is always something going on in Bethesda. Here's a look at some of the best things to do in Bethesda:

The Strathmore is one of the area's most renowned performing arts centers, hosting many acclaimed performances, from the National Philharmonic Orchestra to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The Strathmore is also home to the prestigious Strathmore Mansion, where you can enjoy afternoon tea and walk through the elaborate Sculpture Garden.

Known for its beautiful Art Deco theater, the Bethesda Jazz and Supper Club is one of the city's most celebrated entertainment venues. Enjoy an elegant dinner while watching jazz and blues performances from some of the area's most renowned musical acts.

Taste of Bethesda is a famous food and music festival held every October. Watch live performances from one of the five music stages or enjoy delicious food from one of the 60 different restaurants that come together for this spectacular event.

For those considering moving to Bethesda, one of the greatest benefits of living in this Maryland city is its exceptional transportation options. One of the many reasons why Bethesda has become such a desirable place to live is because of its proximity to Washington, D.C. As a result of its growing popularity, the demand for public transportation options has increased, which has resulted in one of the most robust public transportation networks of its kind. If you regularly drive to and from Washington, D.C., Route 355, one of Washington, D.C.'s main traffic artery lines, runs directly through Bethesda. During rush hour traffic, it's typically a 35-minute drive from Bethesda to Washington, D.C.

Bethesda is known for its exceptional public transportation options, including the Metrorail and Bus Station. The Metrorail is one of the city’s most popular public transportation lines, with regular routes running from Bethesda to Washington, D.C. The city is also known for its many buses, with over 15 routes running daily either to and from Washington, D.C., and within Bethesda itself. Bethesda also has rideshare options, including taxis, Uber, and Lyft. With so many transportation options available to its residents, getting around Bethesda has never been easier.

Are you ready to begin your house hunt? Trust Lou Vivas and his team to help you find your dream home. Backed by many years of industry experience and area expertise, Lou is your go-to for Bethesda real estate. If you're ready to begin your home search, contact Lou today to get started!