Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $680K), a difference of about $370K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 14 in Bethesda. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.
Alexandria
VA
Bethesda
MD
Median Price
$680K
$1.1M
Avg Days on Market
12 days
14 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$400K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Schools
Bethesda leads on school quality with a 93% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Bethesda, families look to Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. See Alexandria schools | See Bethesda schools
Alexandria
VA
Bethesda
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
78%
93%
Top 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
Pass Rate
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 $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Bethesda, a $1.1M home costs ~$10,374/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
$7,548/yr
$10,374/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
Safety
Bethesda is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% below Virginia average. Alexandria is rated "Average" (15% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Alexandria
VA
Bethesda
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Bethesda more affordable?
Alexandria is more affordable with a median home price of $680K, compared to $1.1M in Bethesda. 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+.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Bethesda?
Bethesda has stronger schools overall, with a 93% average pass rate compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Bethesda, standout schools include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Bethesda's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Alexandria or Bethesda better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. 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 March 2026.