Market Overview
Alexandria's median sold price is $675K with homes averaging 32 days on market; Bethesda is at $1.2M and 40 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $675K), a difference of about $555K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 32 days on market compared to 40 in Bethesda. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.
Alexandria
VA
Bethesda
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$675K
$1.2M
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
32 days
40 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$400K–$5M+
Notable Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Bethesda has 93% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Bethesda, Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. See Alexandria schools | See Bethesda schools
Alexandria
VA
Bethesda
MD
Avg Pass Rate
78%
93%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355).
Alexandria
VA
Bethesda
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~20 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Red
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $675K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,493/yr in property tax. In Bethesda, a $1.2M home costs ~$12,154/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Bethesda
MD
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,493/yr
$12,154/yr
Notes
None
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 57 in Alexandria. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Bethesda (55). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Downtown Bethesda score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Bethesda
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
55
Bike Score
64
68
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Alexandria and Bethesda. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Alexandria
VA
Bethesda
MD
Reported Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.6/1K
Reported Property Crime
17.8/1K
10.2/1K
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Bethesda more affordable?
Alexandria is more affordable with a median sold price of $675K, compared to $1.2M in Bethesda (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Bethesda?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Bethesda has 93% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Bethesda, Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Bethesda?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda).
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Bethesda?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,493/yr on a $675K home). Bethesda's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$12,154/yr on a $1.2M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Alexandria and Bethesda compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated September 2026.