City Comparison

Bethesda vs Manassas: How they compare

Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. The details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

Market Overview

Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 40 days on market; Manassas is at $548K and 29 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $548K), a difference of about $682K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 29 days on market compared to 40 in Bethesda. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.

Bethesda

MD

Manassas

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$1.2M

$548K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

40 days

29 days

Price Range

$400K–$5M+

$60K–$1.9M

Notable Neighborhoods

Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

Schools

Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Bethesda schools | See Manassas schools

Bethesda

MD

Manassas

VA

Avg Pass Rate

93%

72%

Public schools

Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School

Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary

These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.

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), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).

Bethesda

MD

Manassas

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-66, Rt 28, Rt 234

Commuter Rail

None

VRE (Manassas line)

Property Tax

On a $1.2M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$12,154/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $548K home costs ~$6,598/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.

Bethesda

MD

Manassas

VA

Rate per $100

$0.988

$1.204

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$12,154/yr

$6,598/yr

Notes

Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)

None

Walkability

Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.

Bethesda

MD

Manassas

VA

Walk Score

72Very Walkable
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

55

15

Bike Score

68

35

Reported Crime Data

The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Bethesda and Manassas. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.

Bethesda

MD

Manassas

VA

Reported Violent Crime

0.6/1K

1.8/1K

Reported Property Crime

10.2/1K

16.2/1K

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bethesda or Manassas more affordable?

Manassas is more affordable with a median sold price of $548K, compared to $1.2M in Bethesda (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Manassas?

Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz 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 Manassas?

Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Manassas has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Manassas?

Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$12,154/yr on a $1.2M home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,598/yr on a $548K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Bethesda and Manassas compare?

Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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 September 2026.

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