Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $757K), a difference of about $293K. Both cities average 14 days on market. Burke offers a lower entry point at $235K–$1.8M.
Bethesda
MD
Burke
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$757K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
14 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$235K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Burke has 86% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Burke, Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. See Bethesda schools | See Burke schools
Bethesda
MD
Burke
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
86%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy).
Bethesda
MD
Burke
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Red
N/A
Major Highways
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Burke Centre station)
Property Tax
On a $1.1M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$10,374/yr in property tax. In Burke, a $757K home costs ~$8,403/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
Burke
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$10,374/yr
$8,403/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 22 in Burke. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Burke (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Burke Centre score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Burke
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
15
Bike Score
68
25
Safety
Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% 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.
Bethesda
MD
Burke
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
8.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
49% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Burke more affordable?
Burke is more affordable with a median home price of $757K, compared to $1.1M in Bethesda. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Burke?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Burke has 86% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Burke, Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Bethesda or Burke?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Burke has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Burke?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M home). Burke's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$8,403/yr on a $757K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bethesda and Burke compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park and tree-lined neighborhoods. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
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 June 2026.