Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $510K), a difference of about $540K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Bethesda
MD
Median Price
$510K
$1.1M
Avg Days on Market
25 days
14 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$400K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Schools
Bethesda leads on school quality with a 93% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Bethesda, families look to Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. See Annapolis schools | See Bethesda schools
Annapolis
MD
Bethesda
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
80%
93%
Top Schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
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 ~45 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355).
Annapolis
MD
Bethesda
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~20 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Bethesda, a $1.1M home costs ~$10,374/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Bethesda
MD
Rate per $100
$0.935
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$10,374/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 45 in Annapolis. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Bethesda (55). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Downtown Bethesda score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Bethesda
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
55
Bike Score
52
68
Safety
Bethesda is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% below Virginia average. Annapolis is rated "Below Average" (34% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Annapolis
MD
Bethesda
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Bethesda more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $1.1M in Bethesda. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+.
Which has better schools, Annapolis or Bethesda?
Bethesda has stronger schools overall, with a 93% average pass rate compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. 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, Annapolis or Bethesda?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda).
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Bethesda?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K 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 Annapolis or Bethesda better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. 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.