Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $620K), a difference of about $430K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Ashburn. Ashburn offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.2M.
Ashburn
VA
Bethesda
MD
Median Price
$620K
$1.1M
Avg Days on Market
16 days
14 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$400K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Schools
Bethesda leads on school quality with a 93% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 89% in Ashburn. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Bethesda, families look to Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. See Ashburn schools | See Bethesda schools
Ashburn
VA
Bethesda
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
89%
93%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge 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. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355).
Ashburn
VA
Bethesda
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~20 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
Metro Lines
Silver
Red
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Bethesda, a $1.1M home costs ~$10,374/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Ashburn
VA
Bethesda
MD
Rate per $100
$0.870
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,394/yr
$10,374/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Bethesda (55). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Downtown Bethesda score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Bethesda
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
55
Bike Score
35
68
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Bethesda is rated "Safe" (36% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Ashburn
VA
Bethesda
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Bethesda more affordable?
Ashburn is more affordable with a median home price of $620K, compared to $1.1M in Bethesda. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Bethesda?
Bethesda has stronger schools overall, with a 93% average pass rate compared to 89% in Ashburn. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge 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, Ashburn or Bethesda?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda).
What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Bethesda?
Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K 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 Ashburn or Bethesda better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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.