Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $500K), a difference of about $550K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Warrenton offers a lower entry point at $225K–$2M.
Bethesda
MD
Warrenton
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$500K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
28 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$225K–$2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour
Schools
Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Bethesda schools | See Warrenton schools
Bethesda
MD
Warrenton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
78%
Public schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).
Bethesda
MD
Warrenton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~60 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 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 32 in Warrenton. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Warrenton
VA
Walk Score
Bike Score
68
28
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Warrenton more affordable?
Warrenton is more affordable with a median home price of $500K, 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+. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Warrenton?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor 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 Warrenton?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Warrenton has no direct Metro access.
How do Bethesda and Warrenton compare?
Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.