Kenwood Forest in Chevy Chase: A Great Neighborhood for Non-Drivers
If you would like to drive less—or perhaps stop driving altogether—your next home needs to offer more than a pleasant place to take an evening stroll. You need groceries, transportation, restaurants, recreation and everyday services that you can realistically reach without getting into a car.
That is one reason Kenwood Forest in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is so appealing.
Kenwood Forest offers an unusual combination: townhouse-style living in a quiet, leafy community within walking distance of downtown Bethesda. Residents can reach grocery stores, restaurants, shops, the Capital Crescent Trail, Bethesda Pool and public transportation without depending on a car for every outing.
After 38 years of selling homes in Bethesda and Chevy Chase—and helping with more than 140 sales and rentals in Kenwood Forest—I know how much buyers value this location. People often arrive looking for a townhouse with character and discover that they are also buying a considerably more convenient daily life.
Is Kenwood Forest a Good Place to Live Without a Car?
Yes. Kenwood Forest is one of the better townhouse communities near Bethesda for people who do not drive or who want to drive less. Its location near Arlington Road and Bradley Boulevard puts residents close to grocery stores, downtown Bethesda, bus service, the Bethesda Circulator, the Capital Crescent Trail and Bethesda Metro.
The precise walking distance depends on whether you live in Kenwood Forest I or Kenwood Forest II and where your home sits within the community. Not every address offers exactly the same route. However, the neighborhood’s location gives non-drivers several ways to handle daily life.
It is important to add one bit of real estate geography. Kenwood Forest has a Chevy Chase mailing address, even though it sits right along the edge of downtown Bethesda. Buyers who search only for homes with a Bethesda address can easily overlook it.
Groceries Without Getting Into a Car
Living without a car becomes much easier when you can buy groceries nearby.
Safeway is located at Bradley Boulevard and Arlington Road, between Kenwood Forest I and Kenwood Forest II. That makes it possible for many residents to pick up everyday necessities without turning the trip into an expedition.
Trader Joe’s and Giant are also within the broader downtown Bethesda area. CVS, smaller specialty shops, bakeries and other services along Arlington Road and Bethesda Avenue give residents more choices.
Of course, there is a difference between walking to the store for milk and carrying home a week’s worth of groceries. Delivery services can fill that gap beautifully. A resident can walk over for a few things, order the heavy items and reserve the car—or car service—for the occasional trip that truly requires one.
Lise’s Tip
Before buying, walk from the specific home to the grocery store carrying a reusable bag. A route that looks easy on a map may feel different when you are bringing home orange juice, laundry detergent and a watermelon.
Walking to Downtown Bethesda
Downtown Bethesda expands the possibilities considerably.
From Kenwood Forest, residents can walk toward Bethesda Row and the shops, restaurants, cafés and services along Bethesda Avenue, Arlington Road and Woodmont Avenue. A movie, dinner, haircut or cup of coffee does not necessarily require coordinating transportation.
This is particularly attractive for downsizers who want to give up the maintenance of a detached house but are not ready for high-rise living. Kenwood Forest feels residential. Many homes face landscaped courtyards, and the townhouse-style layouts have private entrances and, in many cases, decks or patios.
You can retain the feeling of coming home to a neighborhood while gaining access to the amenities of downtown Bethesda.
That balance is difficult to find. Many walkable homes are apartments or high-rise condos. Many townhouse communities require a car for nearly every errand. Kenwood Forest sits in a useful middle ground.
The Bethesda Circulator Adds Another Option
The free Bethesda Circulator is one of the neighborhood’s most helpful transportation options. Its published route includes stops on Bradley Boulevard near Strathmore Street and Wellington Drive, as well as stops along Arlington Road. It connects riders with Bethesda Metro and destinations throughout downtown Bethesda.
The Circulator normally operates Monday through Saturday, with buses generally arriving every 10 to 15 minutes. Routes and operating details can change because of construction or road closures, so residents should check the current schedule before relying on a particular stop.
For a non-driver, this service can make the distance between “near downtown” and “comfortably connected to downtown” feel much smaller.
Access to Bethesda Metro
Bethesda Metro provides Red Line access to Washington, DC, and other parts of Montgomery County. From the station, riders can travel toward downtown Washington, Union Station, Silver Spring and points farther north without driving.
The walk from Kenwood Forest to Metro is longer than the walk from a downtown Bethesda condo immediately beside the station. Whether it feels comfortable will depend on your pace, mobility and the location of the particular home.
The Circulator and local buses provide alternatives for residents who do not want to walk the entire way. Metro service can also be affected by temporary construction and station closures, so it is wise to check current WMATA information when planning a trip.
For someone who commutes regularly, I recommend trying the entire door-to-platform journey at the time of day you expect to travel. That is much more informative than measuring distance online.
The Capital Crescent Trail Is Practically a Neighbor
The Capital Crescent Trail is one of Kenwood Forest’s greatest assets. The paved trail extends from Bethesda toward Georgetown and is used for walking, jogging, cycling and commuting. Montgomery Parks describes the Bethesda-to-Georgetown portion as a paved trail that serves both recreational and transportation purposes.
Kenwood Forest residents can access the trail near Bradley Boulevard and Arlington Road. The trail provides a pleasant place for exercise, but it can also be part of a car-free trip. Cyclists can continue toward Georgetown, while walkers can use the nearby section for recreation and connections around Bethesda.
It is also wonderful for dog owners. A walk with the dog can become a proper outing without first driving to a park. I suspect Captain would consider that one of the neighborhood’s most important selling points.
Trail conditions and detours can change, particularly while work associated with the Purple Line continues east of Bethesda. Residents should consult current trail notices before planning a longer trip.
Parks, Swimming and Outdoor Life
Not driving should not mean giving up convenient recreation.
Bethesda Outdoor Pool is close to Kenwood Forest on Little Falls Parkway. It provides a nearby summer destination without the expense of maintaining a community pool within the condominium associations.
Residents can also reach green spaces and neighborhood recreation on foot, although the most convenient destination depends on where they live within Kenwood Forest. Between the landscaped courtyards, nearby trail and local parks, the community offers more outdoor access than buyers may expect from a location so close to downtown.
This can be especially appealing to someone moving from a detached house. You give up responsibility for mowing the lawn and raking the leaves without giving up trees, flowers and places to walk.
A Good Option for Downsizers Who Want to Drive Less
Kenwood Forest often attracts downsizers because the condominium associations handle exterior maintenance and landscaping. Owners have more freedom than they would in a detached house, but the townhouse layouts offer a different experience from a traditional condo building.
There is an important qualification: most Kenwood Forest homes have stairs. Buyers who want one-level living or need elevator access may be better served by a high-rise condo. Some townhomes may be more suitable for a stair lift than others, and the number of steps from the sidewalk to the entrance also varies.
I never want a buyer to choose a neighborhood simply because the location works. The home itself must work, too.
For an active downsizer who is comfortable with stairs and wants shops, dining, transportation and trails nearby, Kenwood Forest can offer a compelling combination. You can read more about beginning this transition in my guide to downsizing in Bethesda and what to do first.
Lise’s Tip
Think about the home you will need in five or ten years, not only the one that works today. Walkability is valuable, but so are manageable stairs, comfortable bathrooms and an entrance you can navigate easily.
A Practical Choice for First-Time Buyers
Kenwood Forest can also appeal to first-time buyers who want to live near downtown Bethesda but prefer a townhouse to a high-rise condo.
The community includes different sizes and styles, from smaller residences to larger townhouse models with multiple bedrooms and, in some cases, basements. Owners receive the benefit of exterior maintenance through the association while retaining more of a traditional neighborhood feeling.
A non-driving household may also be able to avoid some of the costs associated with owning a second car—or any car at all. That does not make the home inexpensive, but transportation costs deserve a place in the overall affordability calculation.
Buyers should consider the purchase price, condo fee, utilities, financing and transportation expenses together. My Kenwood Forest I and II buyer and seller guide explains the differences between the two associations in greater detail.
Kenwood Forest I or Kenwood Forest II?
Both communities benefit from the same general location, but they are separate condominium associations with different rules, parking systems and maintenance responsibilities.
Kenwood Forest I and Kenwood Forest II also contain different home styles and layouts. A buyer’s decision may come down to bedroom count, outdoor space, basement needs, parking, renovation level or the position of the home within the community.
My detailed guide to Kenwood Forest I compared with Kenwood Forest II provides a closer comparison.
For a non-driver, I would add one more factor: the walking route. Two homes with similar interiors may provide noticeably different access to Safeway, the Circulator, Bethesda Row or the Capital Crescent Trail.
What Should Non-Drivers Check Before Buying?
Spend time in the neighborhood before making an offer. Walk the routes you expect to use and test them under realistic conditions.
Consider whether you can comfortably reach groceries, public transportation, medical appointments, restaurants and recreation. Pay attention to hills, crossings, lighting, sidewalk conditions and the distance from the home to the street.
If you use a cane, walker or mobility scooter, examine curb cuts and surface conditions carefully. Kenwood Forest is close to many destinations, but proximity alone does not guarantee that every route will meet every mobility need.
You should also review the condominium documents, budget, reserves, insurance, rules and any anticipated projects. Location may be the reason you first notice Kenwood Forest, but the financial condition and management of the association are important parts of the purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Kenwood Forest Without a Car
Can you live in Kenwood Forest without a car?
Yes, depending on your mobility, work location and daily routine. Residents can walk to groceries, downtown Bethesda, the Capital Crescent Trail and public transportation. Delivery services, the Bethesda Circulator, local buses, Metro and occasional rideshare trips can fill the remaining gaps.
Is Kenwood Forest within walking distance of Bethesda Metro?
Many residents consider Kenwood Forest walkable to Bethesda Metro, although the distance is greater than it would be from a downtown high-rise. The route and walking time vary by home. The Bethesda Circulator and local buses may provide alternatives for part of the trip.
Is there a free bus near Kenwood Forest?
The free Bethesda Circulator has published stops along Bradley Boulevard and Arlington Road near the community and connects to Bethesda Metro and downtown destinations. Riders should confirm the latest route and hours before traveling.
Can residents walk to grocery stores?
Yes. Safeway at Bradley Boulevard and Arlington Road is particularly convenient. Other grocery options, including Trader Joe’s and Giant, are available in the surrounding Bethesda area, although the walking distance varies.
Is Kenwood Forest close to the Capital Crescent Trail?
Yes. Kenwood Forest has convenient access to the Capital Crescent Trail near Bradley Boulevard and Arlington Road. The paved trail toward Georgetown is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists.
Is Kenwood Forest in Bethesda or Chevy Chase?
Kenwood Forest has a Chevy Chase, Maryland, mailing address. However, it is located immediately beside downtown Bethesda, which is why it often appears in searches for walkable Bethesda-area homes.
Is Kenwood Forest a good choice for downsizers?
It can be an excellent choice for active downsizers who want lower-maintenance living near shops, restaurants and transportation. However, most homes have stairs, so buyers who require one-level living or an elevator should consider whether a particular home will meet their long-term needs.
Is Kenwood Forest a condominium or a townhouse community?
The homes have a townhouse or garden-style appearance, but they are legally condominiums. Owners pay a condominium fee, and the associations handle specified exterior and common-area responsibilities.
Are Kenwood Forest homes pet friendly?
Kenwood Forest is generally regarded as pet friendly, but buyers should review the current rules of the appropriate association before purchasing. Pet policies can change, and Kenwood Forest I and Kenwood Forest II are separate associations. In 2026, Kenwood Forest I does not have a restriction on the number of pets you can have but Kenwood Forest II limits the number of dogs to one per household.
Does every Kenwood Forest home offer the same walkability?
No. The location of the home within the community affects the route to groceries, transportation, the trail and downtown Bethesda. Buyers should test the walks from the specific property they are considering.
Is Kenwood Forest Right for You?
Kenwood Forest is not the right answer for every non-driver. Someone who needs elevator access and wants Metro directly outside the door may prefer a downtown Bethesda or Friendship Heights condominium.
But for buyers who want a townhouse-style home, mature landscaping, nearby trails and the ability to reach many daily destinations without driving, Kenwood Forest deserves serious consideration.
I have helped with more than 140 sales and rentals in Kenwood Forest during my 38 years in real estate. I know the individual courtyards, the differences between the two associations and the practical questions that buyers and sellers need to ask.
If you are considering buying, selling or renting in Kenwood Forest, contact me at 240-401-5577 or lise@lisehowe.com. I would be happy to help you decide whether Kenwood Forest—and a less car-dependent lifestyle—would work for you.
Lise Howe
Associate Broker, RLAH RE LLC