Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $350K), a difference of about $700K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 17 in Chesterfield. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.
Bethesda
MD
Chesterfield
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$350K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
17 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$150K–$900K
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Chesterfield has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Chesterfield, Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. See Bethesda schools | See Chesterfield schools
Bethesda
MD
Chesterfield
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
79%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Chesterfield is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1).
Bethesda
MD
Chesterfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~20 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-95, I-295, Rt 1, Rt 10, Rt 360
Commuter Rail
None
None
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Chesterfield more affordable?
Chesterfield is more affordable with a median home price of $350K, 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+. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Chesterfield?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Chesterfield has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Chesterfield, Cosby High School and Clover Hill 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 Chesterfield?
Chesterfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Chesterfield has no direct Metro access.
How do Bethesda and Chesterfield compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, public schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. 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.