Bethesda Apartments and Rentals

Many people look for Bethesda apartments for rent because of the town's convenient location just 10 miles from Washington, D.C.  Although it is widely known as a suburb of the nation's capitol, Bethesda is also home to some of the most important institutions in America, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Institutes of Health. Plus, Bethesda Naval Hospital is where D.C. bigwigs - including the commander-in-chief - go for checkups.

Those who look for rentals in Bethesda will join an incredibly well-educated population of 60,858 people. Forbes named the area no. 1 on a list of America's Most Educated Small Towns, mostly because it is home to professors from major D.C. universities, as well as lawmakers and researchers from the National Institutes of Health.

The low crime rate, rapid job growth and easy access to downtown D.C. and nearby airports are just some of the aspects of Bethesda that make it one of the best places to live in the U.S.

The area also has a thriving downtown scene, with restaurants, theaters, art galleries and some of the best shopping in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. Residents enjoy an extremely artistic culture, with art walks, artist markets and a yearly Fine Arts Festival.

A large percentage of Bethesda's population is employed by the National Naval Medical Center. National Institutes of Health and National Library of Medicine, as well as other federal complexes, are major employers in Bethesda itself.

The workforce is sourced largely by D.C. colleges and universities, such as Georgetown University and George Washington University, and there are a total of 46 colleges, universities and professional schools within 30 miles of Bethesda. The public school system is also excellent. Students perform about 30 percent above average on math and reading test scores.

Apartments in Bethesda come in a variety of shapes, sizes and locations - renters can enjoy living in the heart of the bustling downtown or in the quaint suburbs. The cost of living is high in this area, but it is proportionate to the income level. In 2010, the median gross rent was $1,738, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The estimated median household income was $167,043 in 2008. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase area has more than 20,000 apartments and condominium units.

Bethesda Attractions and Special Events

The art community in Bethesda is thriving, and the numerous art galleries, festivals and other events serve as evidence of this. Residents can stroll through downtown galleries and businesses to view original pieces during the monthly Bethesda Art Walk. The community also celebrates art at the yearly Bethesda Fine Arts Festival, as well as the Bethesda Painting Awards Exhibit and the Artist Market held throughout the summer months.

Other arts are celebrated throughout the area, too. The Bethesda Literary Festival is held each April to honor authors, poets and journalists, and Play In A Day in February challenges playwrights, directors and actors to create original plays in just 24 hours, and then perform them. Dance and music are also highly valued to the Bethesda community - residents enjoy live music each Thursday of the summer through the Summer Concert Series and dance studios participate in Dance Bethesda, an annual festival that celebrates all the area has to offer in terms of dance.

To find a Bethesda apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.