Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $255K), a difference of about $795K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.
Bethesda
MD
Hampton
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$255K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
25 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$80K–$650K
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Hampton has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Hampton, Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Bethesda schools | See Hampton schools
Bethesda
MD
Hampton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
65%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258).
Bethesda
MD
Hampton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~25 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-64, I-664, Rt 258
Commuter Rail
None
None
Safety
Bethesda is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% below Virginia average. Hampton is rated "Below Average" (42% 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
Hampton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
3.8/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
20.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
42% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Hampton more affordable?
Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, 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+. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Hampton?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Hampton has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Hampton, Hampton High School and Phoebus 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 Hampton?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Hampton has no direct Metro access.
How do Bethesda and Hampton compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.