Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $370K), a difference of about $680K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.
Bethesda
MD
Suffolk
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$370K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
24 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$175K–$800K
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Bethesda schools | See Suffolk schools
Bethesda
MD
Suffolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
72%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).
Bethesda
MD
Suffolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Red
N/A
Major Highways
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664
Commuter Rail
None
None
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Suffolk more affordable?
Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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+. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Suffolk?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork 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 Suffolk?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Suffolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Bethesda and Suffolk compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records 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 September 2026.