Is it a good investment to buy in Kenwood Forest now? The market is always up and down and it is hard to decide where is a good place to buy. It makes sense to focus on the tried and true – and one of those is Kenwood Forest at the edge of Bethesda MD. When the market adjusts it is important to make sure that your home or investment is in a stable area that will hold its value.
History of Kenwood Forest
Kenwood Forest in Chevy Chase, Maryland, has a rich history that dates back to the post-World War II era. Originally built as rental housing for returning veterans and their families, the community was known as the Bradley Boulevard Apartments. In the late 1970s, the area underwent a transformation, converting the rental units into condominium townhomes in three phases. Today, Kenwood Forest is divided into two separate associations, Kenwood Forest I and Kenwood Forest II, and features a mix of garden-style condos and townhomes. Its convenient location near Bethesda and beautifully landscaped grounds make it a sought-after residential area.
Where is Kenwood Forest Located?
Kenwood Forest is part of the broader Chevy Chase area, which is known for its affluent and well-educated residents. The median household income in Chevy Chase is notably high, reflecting the area’s upscale nature. The population is diverse, with a mix of families, professionals, and retirees. Many residents have advanced degrees, and the community values education and cultural enrichment. This is reflected in the schools that serve the area: Bethesda Chevy Chase High School (with an international baccalaureate program), Westland Middle School, Somerset Elementary and Westbrook Elementary. The area is also characterized by a high rate of homeownership, with beautifully maintained properties and a strong sense of community.
Socio-economic factors always play a significant role in shaping a community and Kenwood Forest is no exception. The area’s high median household income and educational attainment contribute to its reputation as an affluent and well-educated neighborhood. These factors influence the types of amenities available, such as well-maintained parks like Norwood Park, high-quality schools like BCC, and access to cultural and recreational activities such as the Capital Crescent Trail and the Strathmore Center for the Performing Arts. The strong sense of community and high rate of homeownership reflect the residents’ investment in their surroundings. Additionally, the area’s proximity to Bethesda and Washington, D.C., attracts professionals and families seeking a convenient and upscale lifestyle.
Who Lives in Kenwood Forest?
Kenwood Forest has been a vibrant community within Chevy Chase for over 45 years and it has consistently attracted interesting people with diverse backgrounds. Embassies rent homes in Kenwood Forest for their employees. The community attracts a number of families with connections to the many international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. In addition, there are always a few medical staff with connections to the nearby Walter Reed Military Hospital and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. There are families and empty nesters, a few owners who have lived there since the early 1980s and young singles and couples who recently started their professional careers. Chances are that you will find lots of new friends in Kenwood Forest regardless of your interests. About 15% of the owners in Kenwood Forest do not live there but rent their homes instead. Those owners definitely decided to make a good investment in Kenwood Forest.
What Kind of Housing Choices Does Kenwood Forest Provide?
Kenwood Forest, located in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a sought-after neighborhood with a mix of studios, one bedroom one level condos and two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom townhomes. Recent sales in the area include properties like one-bedroom condos priced around $360,000 – $380,000 and larger townhomes, such as the Potomac model, which offers over 1,750 square feet and sells for higher prices. Last year these sold between $1M and $1.16M. The Rosewood model has sold for $900,000 and above with 1420-1460 square feet of space. Homes on the market typically sell within a few days because Kenwood Forest is so popular. You can explore more details about available homes and recent sales. If you would like to see an example of a home on the market in Kenwood Forest right now, just click here.
Rental History in Kenwood Forest
Rentals don’t stay on the market for long either. Rosewood (1420 square feet approximately) rent for $4200 and more. One bedrooms with 725 square feet rent for approximately $2200 and a two bedroom two and a half bath townhome with 950 square feet might rent for $2700.
Condo Fees in Kenwood Forest
The condo fees are another reason that buying is a good investment in Kenwood Forest. The condo fee includes exterior maintenance, landscaping, replacement of roofs, water and sewer and parking. In Kenwood Forest I, owners have a reserved parking space close to or in front of their homes plus lots of extra parking in Reserved (but unnumbered) spaces. In Kenwood Forest II, owners receive one or two parking stickers – depending on the number of cars owned – plus a guest pass. In either community, parking is not a problem. In Kenwood Forest II, in addition to roof maintenance and replacement, the condo association also is responsible for deck replacements and maintenance. In Kenwood Forest II there also is an on site property manager and handyman. In both locations, there is a contractor landscaping company which also handles snow removal, mulching, leaf removal and plant trimming and fertilizing. Since there is no front desk, pool, gym or elevator, the fees are very reasonable, capping out around $650 per month for the largest units in 2025.
Nearby Amenities
The Capital Crescent Trail may be the first thing that people think of as an amenity close to Kenwood Forest, followed quickly by Norwood Park. Of course, the fact that Kenwood Forest is so close to downtown Bethesda with all its shops and restaurants, the metro and gyms like Soul Cycle, makes this an easy decision to buy here. The community does not have its own pool but it is essentially next to the Bethesda Pool on Little Falls Parkway.
Trader Joe’s is just a few blocks away while the Safeway is right on Arlington Road and Bradley between Kenwood Forest I and Kenwood Forest II and the Giant is only a few blocks away on Arlington Road. There are patisserie shops nearby like Fresh Baguette and cookie shops and cupcake stores in abundance. Imagine a street with Levain, Georgetown Cupcake and Williams Sonoma all in a row together!
Are you considering buying or selling in Kenwood Forest? Let me know how I can assist! Please call me at 240-401-5577 or email me at lise@lisehowe.com.