Kenwood Forest I and II in Chevy Chase MD: Buyer & Seller Guide for 2026

By: Lise Howe
Posted In: Buying, Selling

This post is written by Lise Howe, Associate Broker at RLAH RE, LLC in Chevy Chase MD. With nearly four decades of experience in the DC metro real estate market, I have helped a number of clients move to or from Kenwood Forest.

If you are searching for Kenwood Forest I and Kenwood Forest II condos for sale in Chevy Chase MD, you are not alone. These popular condo townhouse communities just steps from downtown Bethesda continue to attract first-time buyers, downsizers, and investors who want walkability, value, and long-term stability. When the rest of the real estate market bounces around as it did in the early 2000’s, Kenwood Forest home values remained more stable than the larger Montgomery County market, bringing a smile to Kenwood Forest homeowners.

After 38 years selling real estate in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, (and selling or renting more than 140 homes in Kenwood Forest) I can tell you that buyers and sellers consistently ask smart, practical questions about Kenwood Forest. Here’s what you need to know before making a move.

Why Kenwood Forest I and II Are So Popular

Located just off Bradley Boulevard and Arlington Road near downtown Bethesda, Kenwood Forest offers:

Walkability to downtown Bethesda restaurants and shops
Easy access to the Capital Crescent Trail
Proximity to Norwood Park and Bethesda Pool
Quick commute into Washington DC
Lower condo fees than many high-rise Bethesda condos

For buyers comparing traditional high rise or garden style Bethesda condos vs. condo townhomes, Kenwood Forest often becomes the sweet spot.

Kenwood Forest I vs. Kenwood Forest II: What’s the Difference?

One of the most searched questions online is:

“What is the difference between Kenwood Forest I and Kenwood Forest II?”

Here are the key distinctions buyers care about:

Property Management

Kenwood Forest I uses off-site management.
Kenwood Forest II has on-site management.
At present, they both use Abaris as the property management company.

Parking

Kenwood Forest I townhomes include assigned parking spaces (which say reserved with a number.) There are ample additional reserved but unnumbered spaces for guests.
Kenwood Forest II uses permit parking (no assigned spots). If you are a homeowner or tenant, you receive one or two parking stickers (depending on the number of cars you have) and a guest pass for visitors.

Deck Maintenance

Included in condo fees in Kenwood Forest II.
Owner responsibility in Kenwood Forest I.

School Assignments

Buyers frequently search: “What schools serve Kenwood Forest?”

Kenwood Forest I: Westbrook Elementary, Westland Middle, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High
Kenwood Forest II: Somerset Elementary, Westland Middle, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High

School assignments are always subject to change, so buyers should verify before writing a contract.

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@thelisehowegroup.com.

What Buyers Are Asking in 2026

1. Are Kenwood Forest condos a good investment?

With limited inventory and strong demand due to location, these homes tend to hold value well compared to larger condo buildings in Bethesda.

2. How much are condo fees?

Buyers want to know what is included:

Roof
Exterior maintenance (including decks in Kenwood Forest II)
Landscaping
Termite treatment
Snow removal
Master insurance for common elements
Reserves
Water and sewer

Compared to luxury high-rise buildings in Bethesda, fees here are generally more moderate.

3. Are these homes good for first-time buyers?

Absolutely. Many buyers appreciate:

Lower price points than single-family homes in Chevy Chase
Townhouse living without full exterior responsibility
Walkability to Metro and downtown Bethesda shops and restaurants
Easy access to parks, Capital Crescent Trail, Bethesda pool

4. Are these homes good for downsizers?

Definitely! Downsizers love that there is no exterior maintenance responsibility like raking leaves or shoveling snow. Instead, you can spend your time trying out new restaurants in downtown Bethesda or checking out the newest movies at Bethesda Row. Residents who are mobility impaired might want to plan on adding a stair glider since most of these homes in Kenwood Forest have stairs. – and focusing on homes with minimal steps from the street into the house.

4. Are Kenwood Forest homes pet-friendly?

Yes — both associations are considered pet-friendly, though rules vary slightly. Kenwood Forest I has no breed or weight restrictions on pets; nor is there a limit on the number of pets you can have. Kenwood Forest II limits the number of dogs in its rules although this is not typically enforced.

What Sellers Are Asking Me

How much is my Kenwood Forest home worth?

Value depends on:

Renovation level (kitchen and baths matter most)
Number of bedrooms
Basement space and whether it is in ground or walk out
Deck condition
Parking configuration
Market timing

Updated 3-bedroom townhomes with basements typically command premium pricing, especially in low-inventory spring markets.

Should I renovate before selling?

Buyers in this community respond strongly to:

White or neutral kitchens
Refinished hardwood floors
Updated lighting
Remodeled bathrooms

Small strategic updates often produce strong returns.

Is now a good time to sell?

When inventory is tight in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, Kenwood Forest sellers benefit from strong buyer competition — particularly among move-up condo buyers and downsizers wanting low-maintenance living near Metro.

If you are considering buying or selling in Kenwood Forest I or II, I would be happy to give you a detailed market analysis specific to your unit. After 38 years selling Bethesda and Chevy Chase real estate, I know how to position these homes to attract serious buyers and negotiate the strongest possible terms. I have helped over 140 buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants with their real estate needs in Kenwood Forest I and II.

Call or email me for a confidential consultation — I am always glad to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kenwood Forest I and II (2026 Guide)

Where is Kenwood Forest located?

Kenwood Forest I and II are located in Chevy Chase, just minutes from downtown Bethesda. The communities sit near Bradley Boulevard and are within walking distance of the Bethesda Metro and the Capital Crescent Trail.

This location is one of the main reasons buyers search for Kenwood Forest condos for sale year after year.

What types of homes are in Kenwood Forest I and II?

Kenwood Forest includes:

1-bedroom condos
2-bedroom condos
2–4 bedroom townhouse-style condos
Some units with finished basements
Homes with private decks

Many buyers appreciate that these feel like townhomes but are legally condominiums, meaning exterior maintenance is handled by the association.

What schools serve Kenwood Forest?

School assignments are one of the most common online searches for this community.

Kenwood Forest I typically feeds to Westbrook Elementary
Kenwood Forest II typically feeds to Somerset Elementary
Both feed to Westland Middle School
High school is Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

Always verify with Montgomery County Public Schools before purchasing, as boundaries can change.

Are Kenwood Forest condos pet-friendly?

Yes, both associations are considered pet-friendly.

There are minor differences in pet policies between Kenwood Forest I and II, but generally buyers with dogs and cats find these communities welcoming.

What are the condo fees at Kenwood Forest?

Condo fees vary depending on unit size and association (I vs. II), but generally cover:

Roof
Exterior maintenance
Landscaping
Snow removal
Common area insurance
Reserve funds
Water and sewer

Kenwood Forest II includes deck maintenance in the condo fee, while Kenwood Forest I owners maintain their own decks.

Compared to high-rise luxury condos in Bethesda, fees here are typically more moderate.

Is there assigned parking?

Parking is another key buyer question.

Kenwood Forest I townhomes usually include assigned spaces.
Kenwood Forest II uses permit parking without permanently assigned spaces.

Guest parking is available in both communities.

Are washers and dryers in the units?

Yes. Kenwood Forest townhomes and condos include in-unit washers and dryers. Buyers appreciate not having to use shared laundry facilities.

How close is the Metro?

Kenwood Forest is walkable to the Bethesda Metro Station on the Red Line. For commuters heading into Washington, DC, this is a major advantage.

Are Kenwood Forest homes a good investment?

Because of:

Walkability
Metro access
Proximity to downtown Bethesda
Access to the Capital Crescent Trail
Strong public schools

Kenwood Forest homes tend to maintain strong buyer demand. While no real estate investment is guaranteed, location fundamentals here are very solid.

What is the price range for Kenwood Forest homes?

Prices vary depending on:

Size
Renovation level
Basement space
Outdoor features
Market conditions

One-bedroom units typically sell at lower price points than 3–4 bedroom townhouse models. Updated townhomes with modern kitchens and finished basements command premium pricing.

If you would like a current 2026 market update, I’m happy to provide one.

Is Kenwood Forest good for first-time buyers?

Yes. Many first-time buyers appreciate:

Lower price point compared to single-family homes in Chevy Chase
Townhouse feel without full exterior maintenance
Walkability to shops and Metro

It offers a great entry point into the Bethesda/Chevy Chase real estate market.

Is Kenwood Forest good for downsizers?

Absolutely. Downsizers often choose Kenwood Forest because:

It offers low-maintenance living
It is close to restaurants and cultural amenities
It eliminates yard work
It maintains community charm

Many longtime Bethesda residents move here after selling larger single-family homes.