This post is written by Lise Howe, Associate Broker at RLAH RE LLC in Chevy Chase to share her belief that while the Willoughby in Chevy Chase MD for families might not be your first thought, the Willoughby is actually a great choice for families looking for space, great schools and affordability.
The Willoughby in Chevy Chase: Why More Families Are Choosing This Full-Service Condo Community
If you think condo living in Chevy Chase is only for downsizers or busy professionals, it may be time to take another look at the Willoughby of Chevy Chase Condominium.
Over the past few years, I’ve seen more families discover what longtime residents already knew: the Willoughby offers an unusually appealing combination of space, convenience, amenities, and access to strong public schools — all in one of the most walkable locations in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase area.
For buyers who want a simpler lifestyle without giving up community, schools, or everyday conveniences, the Willoughby checks a surprising number of boxes.
Why Families Are Moving to the Willoughby
One of the biggest reasons families are considering the Willoughby today is the school district. Residents are typically served by Somerset Elementary, Westland Middle School, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School — a combination that attracts buyers looking for strong public schools while still enjoying a low-maintenance lifestyle. If you choose to send your children to private schools, there are lots nearby: Georgetown Day, Landon, Holton-Arms, Stone Ridge, Rochambeau, the French International School and serval Montessori programs. And unlike many condo buildings where you mostly find one-bedroom pied-à-terres or investor-owned units, the Willoughby has become home to an increasing number of full-time residents and families. Parents appreciate being able to walk to Metro, grocery stores, restaurants, and after-school activities without constantly getting in the car.
The building’s location near Friendship Heights also makes commuting easier for professionals working in downtown DC, Bethesda, or Northern Virginia.
Amenities That Make Everyday Life Easier
The Willoughby has always stood out because of its extensive amenities package. Residents enjoy:
- Outdoor rooftop pool and sun deck
- Fitness center
- 24-hour front desk and security
- Convenience store
- Library and party room
- On-site services and laundry facilities
- Garage parking availability
- Easy walk to Metro, shopping, and restaurants
The rooftop pool in particular becomes a real social hub during the summer months. Families appreciate having a place where children can swim, neighbors connect, and everyone can enjoy panoramic views of the area. You will have fun gazing at the Cathedral to the south and Sugarloaf mountain to the north, and planning your perfect location for the 4th of July fireworks.
For many buyers, the Willoughby offers the feel of a small community within a larger building.
Space and Value Compared to Newer Buildings
One thing I often tell buyers: the Willoughby was built in an era when floor plans tended to be more generous. Mid-Century Modern means lots of space and big windows, Many units offer larger living rooms, dining areas, balconies, walk in closets and lots of storage compared to some newer construction condos. Buyers can find studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom layouts in the building. That combination of size plus amenities often creates a compelling value proposition in Chevy Chase.
Newer luxury buildings nearby such as 4620 North Park Condos or The Elizabeth Condominium may offer newer finishes, but many buyers are surprised by how much more space they can purchase at the Willoughby.
The Lifestyle Buyers Love
There’s also something refreshing about the practicality of living here.
Need groceries? Easy. Whole Foods is just steps away. The new Trader Joe’s is four blocks away AND there is a small grocery store in the building!
Need Metro? Easy. The Friendship Heights metro is just three blocks away.
Want dinner out without driving? Easy. Try LIa’s or Clydes or Mei-Wah for starters. Then there are lots of other restaurants nearby.
Need a pool for the kids in summer? Already on the roof.
The building’s Friendship Heights location makes daily life more manageable, especially for busy families juggling work, school, and activities.
And because the Willoughby has such a large resident population, there’s often a stronger sense of community than buyers expect in a condominium setting. Just spend a few minutes in the morning at the Friendship Boulevard entrance and listen to all the children chattering away as they wait for the bus while their parents talk together.
Floor Plans at the Willoughby
There are a variety of floorplans available at the Willoughby designed to appeal to a variety of ages and lifestyles. Here is a sample studio condo, perfect as a pied a terre or in law suite when grandparents come to visit. (The size of the studios vary a bit but they essentially range from 350 to 550 square feet., without a balcony.
The one bedroom condos are the perfect choice for a busy professional. Be sure to tell your friends about the Willoughby so they can move with you!
If you want more space, the Willoughby has the answer. You can choose from a two bedroom one bath or a two bedroom two bath.
As you can see, you have lots of choices at the Willoughby. Do you want a two bedroom two bath or one? three bedrooms? Balcony? Updated or ready for your design vision? There are always a few choices at the Willoughby and all you have to do is start looking! You can call me at 240-401-5577 or email me at lise@lisehowe.com.
Sale History at the Willoughby
Here’s what’s for sale right now at the Willard Avenue side of the WIlloughby. Be sure to ask me what else is for sale at the WIlloughby on the Friendship Blvd side!
If you are thinking of buying at the Willoughby, you probably want to know what its sales history is. Here are a few data points to keep in mind. In 2019, a 325 square foot studio was offered for $179,000. A 1326 square foot condo was on the market for $420,000 and a beautifully updated unit with 1288 square feet was on the market for $529,900. A unit sold for $502,500 with three bedrooms and three baths and 1744 square feet.
In 2021, a parking space sold for $23,000. A 318 square foot studio on the 21st floor sold for $155,000 in June 2021 while another 318 square foot studio on the 24th floor. sold for $176000. The condo fee for a 318 square foot unit was approximately $316. A one bedroom one bath unit on the 24th floor with 871 square feet sold in April 2021 for $277,000. Another similar sized unit sold for $280,000 in $280,000 in March. The condo fee for that unit was $692 per month.
In 2026, a 436 square foot studio sold for $168,000 with a condo fee of $522 per month. A two bedroom one bath unit with 1065 square feet of space sold for $372,500 with a condo fee of $1164 per month. A three bedroom two bath condo with 1748 square feet is on the market in May 2026 for $650,000 with a condo fee of $1973 per month.
The prices vary, depending on the square footage of the unit, whether parking is included, whether it has been updated, and the height within the building – the floor on which the unit is located, and the view from its balcony (and whether it has a balcony or terrace at all.)
Final Thoughts
The Willoughby of Chevy Chase Condominium continues to appeal to buyers because it offers something increasingly difficult to find in close-in Montgomery County: a full-service lifestyle, strong schools, generous space, and true walkability at a relatively approachable price point.
For families who want convenience without sacrificing community, it deserves a very serious look.
And for sellers, the continued demand for well-located condos in Friendship Heights means properly presented units can still attract strong buyer interest.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Willoughby
Is the Willoughby good for families?
Yes. More families are choosing the Willoughby because of the Somerset school district, walkable location, pool, and larger floor plans.
Does the Willoughby have washers and dryers in unit?
No. The Willoughby does not have washers and dryers in unit but there are two laundry rooms on each floor.
Is the Willoughby pet friendly?
Service animals, emotional support animals and therapy animals are permitted in accordance with Federal, state and local law. Otherwise, the Willoughby is not pet friendly.
What amenities does the Willoughby offer?
The building includes a rooftop pool, fitness center, 24-hour front desk, convenience store, library, party room, garage parking, and laundry facilities.
Are there larger condos available at the Willoughby?
Yes. In addition to studios and one-bedroom units, the building also offers two- and three-bedroom floor plans that appeal to families and buyers needing more space.
Is the Willoughby close to Metro?
Very much so. The building is within walking distance of the Friendship Heights Metro station, as well as shopping, restaurants, and grocery stores.
How does the Willoughby compare to newer luxury condo buildings?
While newer buildings may offer more modern finishes, many buyers prefer the Willoughby’s larger layouts, strong amenities, and comparatively attractive pricing.
Thinking About Buying or Selling at the Willoughby?
I’ve worked with buyers and sellers throughout Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and Friendship Heights for decades and understand how to position condos successfully in changing markets.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or simply want to understand current values at the Willoughby, I’d be happy to help.