Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $520K), a difference of about $530K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 35 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Bethesda
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$520K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
35 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$130K–$3M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Bethesda schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Bethesda
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
74%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Bethesda
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~70 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, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $1.1M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$10,374/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $520K home costs ~$4,472/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$0.860
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$10,374/yr
$4,472/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 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
6
Bike Score
68
15
Safety
Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% 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
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median home price of $520K, 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+. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Spotsylvania?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland 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 Spotsylvania?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Spotsylvania?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,472/yr on a $520K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bethesda and Spotsylvania compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.