Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Bethesda is a mid-sized city located in the state of Maryland. The city has a population of 65,092 people. Bethesda has a population density of 4,908 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 78%, the majority of the Bethesda population is White; this is followed by 11% Asian and 5% Black. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Bethesda, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 29 minutes.
Living in Bethesda can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Maryland, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Bethesda, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education and more.
The livability score in Bethesda is 78 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. This is a phenomenal score, as Bethesda ranks well in multiple categories! Bethesda also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Bethesda has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A) and education (A+). There are some categories that Bethesda ranks poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
The Bethesda unemployment rate of 2.33% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Bethesda have an average test score of 77%, which is well above the US average.
Bethesda real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Bethesda. Median real estate prices in Bethesda come in at $927,600, which is 219.4% higher than the Maryland average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Bethesda, the home price to income ratio is 5.4, which is 42.1% higher than the Maryland average.
| Statistic | Bethesda | Maryland | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 32min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 52.8% | 73.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 14.9% | 8.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.8% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.9% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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