Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $450K), a difference of about $600K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 20 in Dumfries. Dumfries offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.
Bethesda
MD
Dumfries
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$450K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
20 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$200K–$750K
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Montclair, Potomac Club, Triangle, Cherry Hill
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Dumfries has 71% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Dumfries, Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. See Bethesda schools | See Dumfries schools
Bethesda
MD
Dumfries
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
71%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Forest Park High School, Graham Park Middle School, Leesylvania Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Dumfries (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234).
Bethesda
MD
Dumfries
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~45 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, Rt 1, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Dumfries more affordable?
Dumfries is more affordable with a median home price of $450K, 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+. Dumfries prices range from $200K–$750K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Dumfries?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Dumfries has 71% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Dumfries, Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Bethesda or Dumfries?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Dumfries has no direct Metro access.
How do Bethesda and Dumfries compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. 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.