City Comparison

Bethesda vs Newport News: How they compare

Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Newport News stretches from the James River to the Chesapeake Bay, anchored by Newport News Shipbuilding, one of the nation's largest industrial employers. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 38 days on market; Newport News is at $301K and 40 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $301K), a difference of about $930K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 38 days on market compared to 40 in Newport News. Newport News offers a lower entry point at $100K–$700K.

Bethesda

MD

Newport News

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$1.2M

$301K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

38 days

40 days

Price Range

$400K–$5M+

$100K–$700K

Notable Neighborhoods

Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor

Hilton Village, Oyster Point, Denbigh, Kiln Creek

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bethesda or Newport News more affordable?

Newport News is more affordable with a median sold price of $301K, compared to $1.2M in Bethesda (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+. Newport News prices range from $100K–$700K.

How do Bethesda and Newport News compare?

Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Newport News stretches from the James River to the Chesapeake Bay, anchored by Newport News Shipbuilding, one of the nation's largest industrial employers. 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.

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

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Bethesda vs Newport News: $1.2M vs $301K (2026) | smover