City Comparison

Bethesda vs Woodbridge: How they compare

Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. The details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

Market Overview

Bethesda's median sold price is $1.2M with homes averaging 40 days on market; Woodbridge is at $488K and 31 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Bethesda is pricier ($1.2M median vs $488K), a difference of about $743K. Woodbridge moves faster, with homes averaging 31 days on market compared to 40 in Bethesda. Woodbridge offers a lower entry point at $145K–$2.9M.

Bethesda

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$1.2M

$488K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

40 days

31 days

Price Range

$400K–$5M+

$145K–$2.9M

Notable Neighborhoods

Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor

Dale City, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Potomac Mills

Schools

Bethesda has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Woodbridge has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Woodbridge, Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. See Bethesda schools | See Woodbridge schools

Bethesda

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Avg Pass Rate

93%

73%

Public schools

Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School

Woodbridge High School, Gar-Field High School, Rippon Middle 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 ~40 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Woodbridge (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 123).

Bethesda

MD

Woodbridge

VA

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-95, Rt 1, Rt 123

Commuter Rail

None

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

Property Tax

On a $1.2M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$12,154/yr in property tax. In Woodbridge, a $488K home costs ~$5,021/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.

Bethesda

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Rate per $100

$0.988

$1.030

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$12,154/yr

$5,021/yr

Notes

Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)

Prince William County rate

Walkability

Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Woodbridge (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Dale City score much higher than suburban areas.

Bethesda

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Walk Score

72Very Walkable
22Almost All Errands Require a Car

Transit Score

55

12

Bike Score

68

20

Reported Crime Data

The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Bethesda and Woodbridge. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.

Bethesda

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Reported Violent Crime

0.6/1K

1.3/1K

Reported Property Crime

10.2/1K

13.8/1K

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bethesda or Woodbridge more affordable?

Woodbridge is more affordable with a median sold price of $488K, compared to $1.2M in Bethesda (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+. Woodbridge prices range from $145K–$2.9M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Woodbridge?

Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Woodbridge has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Woodbridge, Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field 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 Woodbridge?

Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Woodbridge has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Woodbridge?

Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$12,154/yr on a $1.2M home). Woodbridge's rate is $1.030 per $100 (~$5,021/yr on a $488K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Bethesda and Woodbridge compare?

Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. 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.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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 September 2026.

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