One of the most unique aspects of the area surrounding Washington, D.C., is that visitors can hop on local public transportation -- specifically, the Metro rail line -- and cross through two states as well as the nation's capital. One of the stops along that scenic route is Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland, situated within walking distance of Northwest Washington. This community of nearly 120,000 residents offers a quieter, less hustle-and-bustle alternative to D.C., but without sacrificing most of the amenities of its big-city neighbor. Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase is home to some of the best shopping and dining in the greater D.C. region, as well as numerous hotels and cultural offerings to accommodate overflow from the nation's capital.

Bethesda-Chevy Chase, situated north of Washington, D.C. in Montgomery County, Maryland, actually runs all the way from the D.C. line to the Capital Beltway and beyond. Within this community are the four neighborhoods of Bethesda, North Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Friendship Heights. All of them are reached by Metro rail, as well as D.C.'s efficient bus system.

Greater Montgomery County is one of the nation's wealthiest counties, and one of the most densely populated. Many of its wealthier residents are the politicians who make their living in D.C. and come home to sprawling estates in the evening. While Bethesda-Chevy Chase is supported by a diverse local economy, it's best known for the major federal institutions in its backyard, including the National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.) and the Naval Medical Hospital. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission also are based in Montgomery County. Bethesda-Chevy Chase's major employers include AT&T, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International,

Downtown Bethesda is a convenient attraction for visitors. Approximately one mile in length, the downtown district is lined with trees and filled with a myriad of options for emptying one's wallet. Within less than half an hour, you can cross end to end, and on your way, you'll pass by art galleries featuring works by local talent, small bookshops, quaint retail shops selling unique jewelry, home decor items and gifts, and numerous antique shops. In fact, Bethesda's shops are so well-liked that they've been known to lure D.C. residents away from the Beltway on occasion. And within downtown Bethesda -- a region of about 65 blocks -- you'll find more than 180 restaurants that specialize in cuisine from every corner of the globe. That's the largest concentration of retaurants in the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area combined.

If you're seeking a change from the Smithsonian, Corcoran Gallery and other top D.C. cultural draws, Bethesda will accommodate your taste for culture. In addition to its previously mentioned art galleries located downtown, Bethesda has a variety of landscape gardens located in out-of-the-way spots throughout the city, as well as public gardens, murals and sculptures. Within the city's international restaurants, visitors can enjoy live music representing cultures from throughout the world. And if these attractions aren't enough to please the palette, there's always the District of Columbia, reached either by foot, bus or rail (your car isn't necessary or even recommended).

Aside from cultural offerings, the greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase area provides aesthetic attractions, as well. Among them are the Capital Crescent Trail, a hiking and biking pathway connecting downtown Bethesda with Washington, D.C.; the beautiful C&O Canal, which stretches along the Potomac River and offers a scenic path for leisurely strolls; Glen Echo Park, site of several art and cultural festivals throughout the year; and Woodend, a 40-acre wildlife sanctuary and home of the Audobon Society, which includes hiking trails and a 1920 Georgian Revival mansion.

Bethesda-Chevy Chase's residential real estate, like housing in nearby D.C. and Northern Virginia, can come with an expensive price tag; after all, Montgomery County is known for its spacious mansions and estates sitting quietly along tree-lined streets. Despite that affluent aura, however, the area's real estate market, thankfully is more diverse than you might expect. Condominiums, many of them high-rises, have increased in popularity and represent a convenient and comparatively affordable option for residents. The area also has a sizeable inventory of apartments. Many two-to three-bedroom single-family homes are available in the mid- to upper $100,000s. And you don't have to look far to find more spacious accommodations starting in the mid-$300,000s and creeping toward the seven figures. No matter what your budget, you'll enjoy the scenic beauty of the region: quiet, tree-lined streets, spectacular fall foliage, and rolling hills.

Bethesda-Chevy Chase is one of the few suburbs in the nation to which city dwellers can literally walk or access using the public transportation system of a nearby major city. Bethesda-Chevy Chase thrives on its own, offering its residents a wealth of cultural opportunities; and at the same time, the city's proximity to D.C. ensures that the local population benefits from a fascinating blend of ethnic backgrounds, cultures and languages, as well as educational and business opportunities.

Published: May 8, 2000

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