Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $570K), a difference of about $480K. Both cities average 14 days on market. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Bethesda
MD
Reston
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$570K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
14 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Bethesda schools | See Reston schools
Bethesda
MD
Reston
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
83%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Bethesda
MD
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
Red
Silver
Major Highways
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $1.1M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$10,374/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$10,374/yr
$6,327/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 45 in Reston. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
35
Bike Score
68
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% below Virginia average. Bethesda is rated "Safe" (36% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Bethesda
MD
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Reston more affordable?
Reston is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, 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+. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Reston?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes 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 Reston?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Reston?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bethesda and Reston compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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 July 2026.