Market Overview
Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 38 days on market; Richmond is at $389K and 30 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $389K), a difference of about $841K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 30 days on market compared to 38 in Bethesda. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Bethesda
MD
Richmond
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$1.2M
$389K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
38 days
30 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$125K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Bethesda schools | See Richmond schools
Bethesda
MD
Richmond
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
67%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Bethesda
MD
Richmond
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~10 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-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 50 in Richmond. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
28
Bike Score
68
52
Safety
Bethesda is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% below Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% 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
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median sold price of $389K, 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+. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Richmond?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open 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 Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Richmond has no direct Metro access.
How do Bethesda and Richmond compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.