Market Overview
Ashburn's median sold price is $729K with homes averaging 29 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 $729K), a difference of about $502K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 29 days on market compared to 40 in Bethesda. Ashburn offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.2M.
Ashburn
VA
Bethesda
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$729K
$1.2M
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
29 days
40 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$400K–$5M+
Notable Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Schools
Ashburn has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Bethesda has 93% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Bethesda, Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. See Ashburn schools | See Bethesda schools
Ashburn
VA
Bethesda
MD
Avg Pass Rate
89%
93%
Public 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
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 ~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 $729K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$6,339/yr in property tax. In Bethesda, a $1.2M home costs ~$12,154/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
$6,339/yr
$12,154/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
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Ashburn 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.
Ashburn
VA
Bethesda
MD
Reported Violent Crime
0.4/1K
0.6/1K
Reported Property Crime
6.9/1K
10.2/1K
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Bethesda more affordable?
Ashburn is more affordable with a median sold price of $729K, 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. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+.
What are the public-school pass rates in Ashburn and Bethesda?
Ashburn public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Bethesda has 93% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; 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, 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 (~$6,339/yr on a $729K 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 Ashburn and Bethesda compare?
Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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.