Bethesda’s hidden gems will charm you with their beautiful homes and mature landscaping, proximity to DC and easy transportation, amenities, schools and friendly neighbors. If you are looking for a new home in Bethesda or considering relocating here from around the country, you might start your search with neighborhoods like Woodacres, Carderock, Westgate, Palisades or Wyngate.
What are the Best Bethesda Neighborhoods Most People Overlook?
The best Bethesda neighborhoods most people overlook are those with top notch schools like Woodacres and Wyngate or neighborhoods close to the C&O Canal like Carderock, Cabin John and Glen Echo Heights that have windy roads, mature trees and a cabin in the woods feel to them, or traditional communities just on the border of DC like Westmoreland Hills and Westgate.
Young families with school age children frequently migrate to Woodacres and Wyngate because of the quality of the public elementary schools and the friendliness of the communities.
Woodacres, built in the 1950s, is a close-knit community of colonials on 1/4 acre lots between Massachusetts Avenue and River Road just before Goldsboro Road. Woodacres, a neighborhood in Bethesda, Maryland, is highly regarded for its livability and excellent schools. This community is part of the Montgomery County Public Schools system, which is known for its high-quality education. If you are relocating to Bethesda, you should consider this community! Woodacres is known for being a quiet, safe neighborhood with low crime rates. This makes it particularly appealing for families and those looking for a peaceful residential setting. The neighborhood features a mix of classic colonial styled homes, many of which have been updated or expanded over the years. The architecture and tree-lined streets to the area’s charm and appeal. The homes in Woodacres are often older, well-maintained properties, with a mix of classic architectural styles. Many are set on large lots, providing space and privacy. To see whether there are any homes for sale in Woodacres just click here.
The neighborhood has a strong sense of community with a friendly, welcoming environment. It’s a great place for families, as neighbors often know one another, and there’s a sense of togetherness through events, block parties, and other local gatherings. Halloween Parades, 4th of July Parades, whiskey tastings and more make this a close-knit neighborhood.
Woodacres offers access to a variety of parks and trails. The Woodacres Park, which serves as a focal point for local activities, offers a playground, tennis courts, and green space. Nearby, the Capital Crescent Trail provides opportunities for biking, jogging, and walking, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Wyngate in Bethesda, MD, is a highly desirable neighborhood for several reasons such as its proximity to downtown Bethesda,
Washington, D.C., and major highways like I-495 and I-270. This makes commuting convenient for professionals working in the city or surrounding areas. The neighborhood is served by some of the best public schools in Montgomery County, including Wyngate Elementary, North Bethesda Middle, and Walter Johnson High School—consistently ranked among Maryland’s top schools.
With tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and a strong sense of community, Wyngate is ideal for families. There are plenty of parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities nearby such as Cabin John. Wyngate features a mix of classic mid-century homes and newer, larger builds, offering buyers a range of options from charming Cape Cods to modern luxury homes. Residents enjoy proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment in downtown Bethesda, Wildwood Shopping Center, and Pike & Rose. Plus, NIH and Walter Reed Medical Center are just minutes away .Bethesda is known for its strong real estate market, and Wyngate’s high demand ensures property values remain stable and appreciate over time
CARDEROCK SPRINGS
Carderock Springs is a very special Bethesda community featuring distinctive modern architecture, a mature green landscape, and a community spirit where residents know each other, support the top-performing local schools such as Carderock Elementary, and connect with a variety of social activities. One of the most appealing reasons to move to Carderock Springs is to gain access to the Clubhouse and Swim & Tennis Club.
Carderock Springs appears on the National Register of Historic Places as a prime example of Mid-Century Modern/Situated Modernism Architecture — a style where modern houses complement and blend in with the natural landscape. Opened in 1962, it’s long been featured in consumer and professional publications as an excellent example of both modern design and environmental stewardship. Carderock Springs is committed to maintaining its special appearance. To see the models that were offered in the beginning, just click here. If you’re modifying the exterior of your home, you’ll need approval from the Architectural Review Committee, which has ARC Design Guidelines. Covenants govern all properties. (There are not similar restrictions on renovations within your home.) Because the natural environment is so integral to the neighborhood’s appeal, they also have Tree Removal Guidelines.
Carderock Springs provides easy access to downtown Bethesda and Washington DC via River Road, the Clara Barton Parkway, Bradley Blvd. and MacArthur Blvd. The Carderock Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center is very nearby. Nature surrounds Carderock Springs, not only with the mature landscaping, but also with its proximity to the C&O Canal, rock climbing at Carderock Recreation Area, and I its proximity to the Capital Beltway, Carderock remains only moderately developed and traffic congested. This is due in part to the prominent presence of Rock Run, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, and Congressional Country Club. In addition, almost no roads running through Carderock have direct access to the Beltway. The only exceptions are River Road on the north end of the neighborhood and Clara Barton Parkway on the south end.
If you are not in love with mid-century modern architecture or the idea of planned communities with restrictive renovation rules do not appeal to you, then you might want to check out the quintessential small town along the Potomac River. Glen Echo is a small community just over the District line close to Bethesda. It has a lot of history, its own post office, a museum, a great restaurant in the Irish Inn at Glen Echo, a sushi carryout and Christopher’s, one of the friendliest and best hardware stores you will ever visit.
GLEN ECHO
Glen Echo, a very small town of 125 houses in Montgomery County just over the District line along the Potomac river. Glen Echo began in 1889 when two brothers, Edward and Edwin Baltzley, bought land along the Potomac River from the Walhonding Road area to Cabin John Creek and named it Glen Echo on the Potomac. They imagined stone castles on this property and nicknamed it “The Washington Rhine.” They opened five quarries to provide the stone for the castles that they hoped people would build there. (One of the quarries is still operating on Seven Locks Road.)
The Baltzley brothers were truly entrepeneurs! Their investment in Glen Echo came from money that Edwin had made on the invention of a better mechanical eggbeater which reversed direction halfway through each turn of the crank. The brothers sold the eggbeater patent and factory in 1888 and began investing in real estate.
One of the first houses built there in 1887 was a lovely Victorian home at 5446 Mohican Road which was on the market several years ago for $2.5 million. Mohican Road winds through wooded lots and grand homes to the top of a hill to the house, known among local residents as the Kimmel Castle. Initially real estate sales were brisk, but eventually there were rumors of malaria in Glen Echo and sales slowed and then disappeared. Glen Echo became home to a chatauqua and an amusement park through the years. Clara Barton called it home and the property is now a museum. The town of Glen Echo boasts a rich history, with many well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks. Residents can enjoy exploring the town’s heritage, including the historic Glen Echo Park with its vintage amusement rides, Spanish Ballroom, and cultural events.
Glen Echo is surrounded by natural beauty, with opportunities for outdoor recreation in nearby parks and green spaces. Residents can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and outdoor activities along the Potomac River and in nearby parks such as Glen Echo Park and Cabin John Regional Park.
Glen Echo has a strong sense of community, with residents actively involved in local events, festivals, and volunteer activities. The town hosts community gatherings, art shows, and cultural events throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents. Despite its small size, Glen Echo offers a variety of cultural amenities, including art galleries, theaters, and music venues. The historic Glen Echo Park is a cultural hub with art studios, workshops, and performances that appeal to residents of all ages.
Families moving to Glen Echo will find access to top-rated schools in the Montgomery County Public School system. The area is known for its quality education options, including highly-ranked public schools and prestigious private schools. Glen Echo is in the Whitman HS, Pyle MS, and Bannockburn ES cluster. Holton-Arms, Landon and Primary Day are very close.
Glen Echo offers a range of housing options, including historic homes, cozy cottages, and modern residences. Whether you’re
looking for a charming older home with character or a newer construction, you can find a variety of housing styles to suit your preferences. f you want that small town vibe close to nature and lots of history, then Glen Echo may be the place for you. With only 122 properties in Glen Echo (and some of them belong to the Post Office, town hall and a few commercial buildings), there are only a few homes at any one time on the market – if at all. Homes range in size from under 1000 square feet of space to over 4000. To see what is on the market – if any – now, click here.
CABIN JOHN
Early land records in 1715 cite Captain John’s Run, now called Cabin John Creek. The toponym “Cabin John” is thought to be a corruption of the name “Captain John”, but the origin of the name remains unresolved.
Cabin John is the location of the Union Arch Bridge, built between 1857 and 1864 over Cabin John Creek; at the time of its completion, the bridge embodied the longest single-span masonry arch in the world and remains the longest in the United States. The Cabin John Bridge Hotel was built in 1870 adjacent to the west end of the Union Arch Bridge, overlooking the Potomac. Originally a refreshment stand and boarding house for bridge workers, it grew into “a sumptuous establishment frequented by the most powerful politicians and important social figures of Washington, D.C.” In its heydays of the 1890s to early 1900s, “the hotel was so lavish and became so important a destination for Washingtonians that The Washington Post reported about it regularly.” The hotel was destroyed by fire in 1931.
The neighborhood was connected by streetcar to Georgetown from 1897 to the 1930s and to Bethesda, Maryland, from about 1900. Streetcar service ended around 1961.
Cabin John is celebrated for offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a tight-knit community feel. Some of the best things about Cabin John include its outdoor recreation opportunities, the small town feel and its scenic location.
Cabin John runs alongside the C&O Canal with extensive trails for walking and biking, kayaking, and dog walking It’s a favorite spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The canal path and surrounding green spaces encourage activities such as jogging, cycling, and team sports, making it easy to maintain an active lifestyle.
Cabin John is known for its quiet, welcoming residential environment, perfect for raising families. Local events and neighborhood gatherings help foster a sense of belonging and community spirit. The natural surroundings and tree-lined streets provide a peaceful retreat from city life. The overall upkeep of the area, combined with attractive homes and community spaces, contributes to high property values and a superior quality of living.
These features make Cabin John a hidden gem for those who value outdoor activity, community connections, and a well-balanced lifestyle.
Two very special part of Cabin John are Cabin John Gardens and Carver Road, built on the original 19.27-acre (7.80 ha) site, bought from Mary Ellen Bobinger, widow of the owner of the Cabin John Hotel. This land was used to build housing for workmen. The Navy had 125 homes constructed… 100 for white workers and 25 for black. The homes were in two small neighborhoods, 
Cabin John Gardens, off MacArthur Blvd. and Carver Road, off Seven Locks Road. The Cabin John Gardens homes were constructed on the site of the former hotel and sold by the government to employees, with the land itself held as a cooperative—the only single-family development of its kind in the county. Carver Road homes were located about 1/3 of a mile to the northwest and originally rented out for $28 a month. Of the families who moved there, many are still there, as adult children and grandchildren stayed on.
Are you curious about what is for sale in Cabin John? Just click here and find out!
These communities, Carderock, Glen Echo and Cabin John, all qualify as Bethesda’s hidden gems since they are tucked away among the hills and trees overlooking the Potomac River.
Do you want to live in a traditional colonial in a small community with tall trees, just on the border of Washington DC, along Massachusetts Avenue? You should consider Westmoreland Hills and Westgate, two small communities located on either side of Massachusetts Avenue.
WESTMORELAND HILLS
One of the many joys of Westmoreland Hills in Bethesda Maryland is its great neighborhood park, tucked away in the back of the neighborhood. Probably only a few people in the area realize that there is a link to the Civil War in this wonderful neighborhood park with its playground, softball field, multi-use field and two tennis courts.
Located at Westmoreland Hills Local Park, Battery Bailey was a man-made hill constructed to support cannons aimed at protecting the reservoir of water for Washington DC. It was located between Fort Sumner and Fort Mansfield. This Civil War fortification at Battery Bailey was one of a series of forts, batteries and entrenchments constructed at half-mile intervals around Washington, DC. President Lincoln established the defensive perimeter of military works that was 34 miles in circumference. Its purpose was to defend the city from Confederate Army attacks.
The site was named for Col. Guilford Dudley Bailey of the 1st regiment New York artillery, who was killed on May 31, 1862 at the Battle of Seven Pines. If you plan to visit, why not pack a sandwich and enjoy lunch in the picnic area? The 10.1-acre park was acquired by M-NCPPC in 1951. Westmoreland Hills Local Park connects to the Little Falls Stream Valley Park, which offers access to the Little Falls and Capital Crescent trails as well as the stream itself. You can rent the Little House at Westmoreland Park and it is perfect for receptions, classes, celebrations, reunions, and birthday parties. With 4 adult tables, 3 children’s tables, and chairs of both sizes, the Little House can be used for standing or seated events. The kitchenette has a sink, cabinets, refrigerator, and microwave oven. The HVAC system has abundant heat and cooling. There is a restroom for ladies, one for men, and the facility is ADA compliant. You can show DVDs or anything via laptop on the 60″ flat screen TV, equipped with speakers. Outside, there is a playground, tennis and basketball court, and picnic tables. Field rental is conducted through the MoCo Parks Department.
While you’re there you also might want to check out the great community and wonderful homes nearby.
The Westmoreland Citizens Association represents the subdivisions of Westmoreland Hills, Westgate, Westhaven, Yorktown Village, Spring Hill and Overlook, covering nearly 1,000 households. Homeowners pay a minimal fee ($50 annually in 2025) to belong to the WCA, according to the association’s website. A “good portion” of residents belong to the WCA, but joining is voluntary, The WCA hosts a dozen events per year, such as a Halloween movie night and a costume parade the next day. The association also holds a newcomers’ reception and a dinner for residents who have lived in the community for more than 25 years. The best event of the year is definitely the Fourth of July event with moon bounces, fire trucks, food and a bicycle decorating contest.
There are empty nesters, families with older kids and younger people starting their families in the Westmoreland Hills neighborhood. The housing stock in Westmoreland Hills consists of single-family homes, most of which were built in the 1930s, There are lots of traditional colonials with a few split levels mixed in from the 1930’s, 40’s, 50s and ’60s, while the houses in the Overlook subdivision were developed in the ’70s,
Westmoreland Hills’ boundaries vary depending on who you ask. It is generally agreed that the neighborhood is bounded by the Maryland and D.C. border to the east, Dalecarlia Reservoir to the south and Little Falls Stream Valley Park to the west.
The Montgomery Planning department draws the neighborhood’s northern boundary in a line that cuts through Falmouth and Portsmouth roads on the near side of Massachusetts Avenue and through Worthington Drive on the far side. It also includes Overlook as part of the neighborhood. However, Overlook has its own homeowners association with a community pool that is not accessible to the rest of the neighborhood. Spring Hill is also sometimes considered part of Westmoreland Hills.
Meanwhile, the Westmoreland Citizens Association’s boundary line puts the houses on Worthington Drive in Yorktown Village.
Across Massachusetts Avenue is Westgate, another small neighborhood with traditional styled homes. The homes in Westgate typically are smaller than those in Westmoreland Hills but they are equally charming. Westgate real estate is primarily made up of medium sized (three or four bedroom) to large (four, five or more bedroom) single-family homes and townhomes. Most of the residential real estate is owner occupied. Many of the residences in the Westgate neighborhood are relatively historic, built no later than 1939, and in some cases, quite a bit earlier. A number of residences were also built between 1940 and 1969. While not many homes sell in Westgate each year, prices have been creeping up and are from $1.2M to 1.4M in 2025 for an older home.
Let’s Talk
If you are relocating to Bethesda – or relocating within Bethesda, we should talk. There are so many wonderful homes and neighborhoods in Bethesda from which you can choose that it is hard to know how to start. With a Realtor who knows the area, it will be easier. I am happy to help you sort through all your options and find that perfect property that you can turn into your dream home. Let’s talk at 240-401-5577 or you can email me at lise@lisehowe.com
