Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $430K), a difference of about $620K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Severn. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.
Bethesda
MD
Severn
MD
Median Price
$1.1M
$430K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
16 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$200K–$750K
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Bethesda schools | See Severn schools
Bethesda
MD
Severn
MD
Avg Pass Rate
93%
77%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).
Bethesda
MD
Severn
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~40 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-97, Rt 32, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
None
None
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Severn more affordable?
Severn is more affordable with a median home price of $430K, 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+. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Severn?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill 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 Severn?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Severn has no direct Metro access.
How do Bethesda and Severn compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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.