The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 20816 sells for about $1,290,000, or $480 per square foot.
Prices are down 2.1% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 44 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $3,240 a month.
ZIP 20816 — Bethesda
The 20816 housing market remains stable with high median home values and low inventory, reflecting strong demand in this affluent Bethesda enclave. While year-over-year prices show a slight decline, the market is characterized by quick sales and limited supply, keeping the environment competitive for buyers. Rental demand remains robust, with rents continuing to trend upward.
This ZIP is ideal for affluent families and professionals seeking proximity to D.C. employment centers while enjoying a suburban, highly-rated school environment.
Median prices moved down 2.1% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 44 days on market with 0.8 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
24% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.1% · poverty 2.8% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Built from 249 recorded sales in the last 24 months against HUD 3-bedroom fair market rents. The location premium is the part of the price that rent, income, education, employment, vacancy, price trend, hazard, lending and flood risk don't explain. It usually reflects amenities, schools and scarcity. It's area context and does not change this ZIP's home value estimates.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.4%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 20816, Montgomery County MD
Bethesda generally experiences low crime rates compared to national averages, with property crime being the primary concern in residential areas.
The area is served by highly-rated public schools within the Montgomery County Public Schools system, consistently recognized for academic excellence.
The region faces moderate risks from severe thunderstorms and occasional flooding in low-lying areas, with standard insurance coverage typically sufficient.
The area benefits from proximity to major employment hubs in Bethesda and Washington, D.C., with steady demand for high-end residential renovations and infill development.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Maryland) — Maryland Real Property Assessment and Taxation: Property is assessed at its phased-in use value. The tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable state and local tax rates.
Residents have convenient access to the Washington, D.C. metro area via major corridors like River Road and the Capital Beltway, with significant transit options available.
The ZIP features access to the Capital Crescent Trail, various local parks, and proximity to the shopping and dining districts of downtown Bethesda.
The rental market is characterized by high demand and rising rents, with a limited supply of single-family rentals and a strong presence of long-term residents.
The economy is driven by professional services, government contracting, and proximity to the National Institutes of Health and other major research institutions.
The area is well-served by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) bus lines and proximity to the Bethesda Metro station.
Development is largely restricted to residential infill and minor commercial upgrades due to the established nature of the neighborhoods.
Montgomery County Department of Finance assesses properties annually based on market value.
Parcels are subject to Montgomery County Public Schools and various local utility and fire/rescue district taxes.
Property insurance markets remain stable, though premiums reflect regional exposure to wind and storm-related risks.
Data retrieved from Census Bureau ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment. Source: NCES EDGE public school locations 2023-24.
A popular multi-use trail connecting Bethesda to Washington, D.C.
Extensive green space offering hiking and nature trails.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.