The top 5 wealthiest suburbs in Bethesda MD offer a variety of home styles and locations. You can choose from several neighborhoods including Edgemoor, Bannockburn, Glen Echo Heights, Avenel and Bradley Hills.
Edgemoor, a Star in the Top 5 Wealthiest Suburbs
Want to know all about Edgemoor in Bethesda? Imagine a community with sidewalks filled with homes like Home Alone – elegant colonials on spacious lots with mature trees and azaleas close to downtown Bethesda. This very special neighborhood is found just west of downtown Bethesda and within walking distance of the metro, lots of restaurants and bars, shops and theaters, and easy access to the rest of the DC metro area. Residents may choose to enjoy the Edgemoor Club, a private swim and tennis club, and the Edgemoor Citizens Association, which sponsors events throughout the year.
Homes in Edgemoor are a mixture of small cape cods and colonials and large homes, both old and new. The tear-down trend began in the 1990s when traditional Colonials and other smaller homes were torn down to make way for large homes ranging from 4,000 to upwards of 10,000 square feet. Despite the addition of these new larger homes, Edgemoor still maintains its quiet tree lined streets and varied architecture including Mediterranean villas, English and French cottages, clapboard treasures, and exceptional contemporaries built by some of Washington’s leading architects.
Here is what is for sale, if any, in Edgemoor. What should you do next – once you find the home of your dreams? That is simple – Just call the Lise Howe Group so we can make an appointment to see it – and really fall in love! Just call us at 240-401-5577 or email us at Lise@lisehowe.com.
The children who live in Edgemoor attend Bethesda Elementary (which is next to Edgemoor,) Westland Middle School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. While the children are in school, parents will love walking to all the shops in Bethesda like Lululemon, Williams-Sonoma and Bonobos, grabbing a cupcake at Georgetown Cupcake or Levain or stopping for lunch or dinner at places like Mon Ami Gabi and the Mussel Bar. There are gyms galore like Soul Cycle and Equinox in downtown Bethesda and the metro is just a few blocks away.
Here is What is on the Market Now in Edgemoor
Bannockburn – One of the Top 5 Wealthiest Suburbs in Bethesda
Bannockburn, a luxury neighborhood in Bethesda MD, is popular because of its proximity to DC, airports and commuter routes, good schools, a mixture of housing styles, mature landscaping and tall trees. If you are looking for a home on a large lot set back from the street Bannockburn is a great choice for you. Bannockburn is composed of Bannockburn Coop, Bannockburn Estates and Bannockburn Heights but the three combine to make an exceptional luxury neighborhood.
When the homes in Bannockburn were originally built they were typically ramblers, split foyers and a few split levels, reflecting the preferred architecture of the 1950s. There were a few colonials built along Wilson Lane before Bannockburn was begun but the bulk of homes were appropriately – mid-century moderns.
Now the new homes being built are large and typically craftsman style. There are occasionally some fascinating contemporaries that fit in with the mid-century modern neighbors.
To see what is on the market in Bannockburn (if anything), just click here.
Once you have found that dream home, just give us a call at the Lise Howe Group, 240-401-5577 or email us at lise@lisehowe.com and we can schedule an appointment to see that home and others that might also match your criteria!
Children who live in Bannockburn attend Bannockburn Elementary, Pyle Middle School and Whitman High School. Quality private schools such as Holton Arms, Landon, Primary Day, Norwood and Holy Child are near Bannockburn. Even though Bannockburn is just two or three miles from downtown Bethesda, it feels very removed from that activity. However, it is close to Glen Echo and the National Park location there, the Clara Barton House, the Irish Inn at Glen Echo, KanPai Sushi and all the outdoor activities along the C&O Canal like kayaking, bird watching and biking. Clearly Bannockburn is a different feel from a community like Edgemoor which offers an easy walk to downtown Bethesda. Bannockburn instead offers larger lots on rolling hills with tall trees and proximity to the Potomac River and the C&O Canal.
Since Bannockburn is a luxury neighborhood in Bethesda MD, you would expect there to be lots of luxury amenities! Bannockburn is close to a number of country clubs: Columbia Country Club is just a few miles up River Road, while Kenwood is just a few miles south on River Road. Burning Tree Country Club is very close on Burdette Road, just a mile up River Road. Even if you don’t join one of these country clubs, you have the distinction in Bannockburn of having your own community center!
Glen Echo Heights- A Luxury All Star
Relocation to Washington DC can be confusing and even overwhelming. Where should you live? Big towns or small? Close to the Potomac River or out in the country? Glen Echo Heights is a small community just over the District line along MacArthur Boulevard. It is close to Glen Echo which offers a small town feel with a lot of history, its own post office, a museum, a great restaurant, a sushi carryout and one of the best hardware stores you will ever visit.
Quaint Small Town Atmosphere: Glen Echo maintains a small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a close-knit community vibe. It offers a peaceful and tranquil environment away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
Proximity to Washington DC: Glen Echo Heights is conveniently located just a short distance from downtown Washington DC, making it an ideal choice for those who work or commute to the city. Residents can easily access employment opportunities, cultural attractions, and amenities in the nation’s capital.
Historic Charm: Glen Echo Heights is close to the town of Glen Echo, which 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.
Outdoor Recreation: Glen Echo Heights 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.
Strong Community Spirit: Glen Echo Heights has a strong sense of community, with residents actively involved in local events, festivals, and volunteer activities. The town of Glen Echo hosts community gatherings, art shows, and cultural events throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents.
Excellent Schools: Families moving to Glen Echo Heights 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 Heights is in the Whitman HS, Pyle MS, and Bannockburn ES cluster. Holton-Arms, Landon and Primary Day are very close.
Cultural Amenities: Despite its small size, nearby 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.
Real Estate Options: Glen Echo Heights 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. If you want that small town vibe close to nature and lots of history, then Glen Echo Heights may be the place for you. With only 122 properties in the town of 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 in Glen Echo Heights and surrounding the 20816 zip code, please click here. To see what is on the market in Glen Echo itself – if any – now, click here.
What is on the Market in the 20816 Zip Code?
Avenel – A Planned Luxury Community Near Potomac
Avenel has a style of home for nearly everyone from townhomes to single families built around a very popular golf course. There are fourteen “villages” from which to choose with different architectural styles. Many of the townhomes are built along the golf course while other homes are built in clusters on zero lot lines so that you have the pleasure of a comfortable large home without the upkeep that goes with a two acre (or more) lot. Avenel comes with a golf course that is open for membership, a large park with soccer fields and tennis courts and an equestrian center. Avenel is closer to Potomac than downtown Bethesda but don’t worry! Potomac has several restaurants, shops, hair salons, coffee shops, grocery stores, pharmacies, and even an eponymous pizza place that delivers!
Abbey Terrace – is a community of Georgian homes on 1/4 acre lots and larger, overlooking the 5th fairway of the golf course and just off Avenel Farm Drive, one of the major streets. The homes in Abbey Terrace have classic architectural styling and details which set them apart from the rest of Avenel.
The homes in Chartwell have always struck me as being as solid as a bank building. This is another small community of homes, described as neoclassical, located long the 6th and 7th fairways of Avenel at the far west end of the community. The homes at Chartwell were built in the late 1980s and are off Oaklyn Drive, the main street through Avenel.
If you are looking for a small community in Avenel, Deer Hollow may be just right! This community has only five homes in it! Deer Hollow is on the third fairway very close to the Avenel Park, a community park of soccer and ball fields.
Eagle Ridge is a distinctive community within Avenel. It is on the far south side of Avenel with a separate entrance off MacArthur Boulevard. Eagle Ridge is a heavily wooded community next to the Rock Run Stream Valley Park and the 10th, 11th and 12th fairways. It affords very easy access to downtown Washington by the Clara Barton Parkway and the Beltway provides easy access to Virginia and further up into Montgomery County. If you are looking for a particularly large home, you will likely find it in Eagle Ridge on a larger than usual lot.
Oaklyn Woods is a village adjacent to the 4th and 5th fairways with homes on lots ranging from a half acre to an acre. Homes in Oaklyn Woods offer a varied architectural style since some of them were built for specific owners or as spec houses rather than part of a larger development by a single builder.
Players Crossing is a community of “cityhomes” or townhomes built by Mitchell and Best, a popular local builder, with many of their trademark features like screened porches and step down living rooms. These homes have garages typically in front of the homes. These homes are along the 13th and 15th fairways and some overlook a little lake.
Players Turning is a separate village, featuring a collection of homes built between Avenel Park and the 4th Fairway. These are large homes built in a traditional style.
Pleasant Gate is a lovely collection of three level cape cods, each with a finished basement and four bedrooms. They were originally built as moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs), offering a chance for some to live in Avenel who could otherwise not afford the homes.
These homes are off of Oaklyn and very close to the Avenel Park. There is ample off street parking and many of the homes have small patios behind them for grilling and summer dinners with friends.
Prescott was build by the well regarded Washington builder, Sam Pardoe, as one of his last projects before his death around 1990. I was with his company then and I loved holding the model homes open on a Sunday afternoon. When there were not visitors in the house, I could watch the golfers on the hole behind the house or the Canadian geese meandering across the course. These were very expensive and beautifully finished townhomes or single family homes on small lot sizes that were particularly appealing to anyone downsizing into a home with less upkeep.
Rapley Preserve was one of the last communities in Avenel to be completed. With a gate at the entrance, Rapley Preserve offers a level of privacy and exclusivity within Avenel that none of the other villages provides. These are all custom homes on up to two acres. Since this is a closed community, you really do have the sense of a neighborhood here. With the larger lot sizes come the larger price tags. Rapley Preserve is one of the more expensive communities within Avenel.
Saunders Gate, one of the earliest villages to be completed, is part of Avenel, but it is physically separated from Avenel, making it technically part of the overall community without feeling integrated into it. It is on the northeast side of Avenel, running off of Persimmon Tree across from the Congressional Country Club golf course. These are large homes on two acres.
The Gates is another collection of homes perfect for someone hoping to avoid the landscaping chores and upkeep of a traditional single family home. These courtyard homes and single family homes are grouped into brick walled clusters at the eastern edge of Avenel. The homes are tucked between the 13th fairway and the Rock Run Stream valley.
If you want more information about Avenel in Potomac Maryland, 20854, please call the Lise Howe Group. We love working with buyers and introducing them to our home town!
Avenel, One of the Top 5 Wealthiest Suburbs in Bethesda
Bradley Hills Grove – A top Luxury Suburb in Bethesda
Bradley Hills Grove is a neighborhood in Bethesda, Maryland that features expansive homes with luxury features on large lots with mature plantings and tall trees. Located on the south side of Bradley Boulevard bordering Burdette Road, this community includes street such as Bellwood, Blaisdell, Bradgrove Circle, Bradley Boulevard, Burdette, Burning Tree, Fernwood, Chalon, Darby, Greentree, Heathwood, Hillmead, Meadowlark, Melody and Oak Park. The most expensive home that has sold in Bradley Hills Grove was a property on Fernwood that sold for $9,250,000. That home has 6 bedrooms, 8 full baths and 2 half baths, 15,000 square feet of living space all on 1.26 acres. There are 314 homes in Bradley Hills Grove so perhaps one of those homes is your new dream home!
The children who live in Bradley Hills Grove attend Burning Tree Elementary, Pyle Middle School and Whitman High School. Landon, Holton Arms, Primary Day, Bradley Hills Presbyterian Nursery School and Stone Ridge are all nearby private schools. Bradley Hills Grove is nearly equidistant to downtown Bethesda and Potomac. It is also very close to the Westfield Montgomery Mall where you will find the Nordstrom’s and Macy’s plus lots of smaller stores and restaurants. Bradley Hills Grove is also very close to the Burning Tree Country Club, Congressional and Kenwood. If you are looking for a community that is quiet with winding streets and tall trees, this is it! To see what is on the market now, just click here and then give the Lise Howe Group a call to start looking at homes in person.

