Market Overview
Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 38 days on market; Centreville is at $579K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $579K), a difference of about $651K. Centreville moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 38 in Bethesda. Centreville offers a lower entry point at $245K–$3.1M.
Bethesda
MD
Centreville
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$1.2M
$579K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
38 days
26 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$245K–$3.1M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Centreville has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Centreville, Centreville High School and Westfield High School. See Bethesda schools | See Centreville schools
Bethesda
MD
Centreville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
84%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).
Bethesda
MD
Centreville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~40 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-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $1.2M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$12,154/yr in property tax. In Centreville, a $579K home costs ~$6,427/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
Centreville
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$12,154/yr
$6,427/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 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Centreville (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Centre Ridge score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Centreville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
15
Bike Score
68
28
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% 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
Centreville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
9.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
42% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Centreville more affordable?
Centreville is more affordable with a median sold price of $579K, compared to $1.2M in Bethesda (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Centreville?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Centreville has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Centreville, Centreville High School and Westfield High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Bethesda or Centreville?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Centreville has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Centreville?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$12,154/yr on a $1.2M home). Centreville's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,427/yr on a $579K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bethesda and Centreville compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Centreville offers spacious homes and residential neighborhoods at accessible price points. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 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 August 2026.