Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $420K), a difference of about $630K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Bethesda
MD
Frederick
MD
Median Price
$1.1M
$420K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
20 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$200K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Frederick has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Frederick, Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. See Bethesda schools | See Frederick schools
Bethesda
MD
Frederick
MD
Avg Pass Rate
93%
79%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15).
Bethesda
MD
Frederick
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~60 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-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 42 in Frederick. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Frederick (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Downtown Frederick score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Frederick
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
12
Bike Score
68
45
Safety
Bethesda is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% below Virginia average. Frederick is rated "Average" (8% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Bethesda
MD
Frederick
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
16.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
8% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Frederick more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, 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+. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Frederick?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Frederick has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Frederick, Urbana High School and Oakdale 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 Frederick?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Frederick has no direct Metro access.
How do Bethesda and Frederick compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.