Real Estate Investing in Bethesda, Maryland (20814)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 20814 (Bethesda, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.8% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Bethesda, MD (20814)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 20814 Bethesda
ZIP 20814 in Bethesda, MD carries a impressive set of headwinds. Home values near $762K and rents of $2,822/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 20814 sits at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
From a cash-flow lens, 20814 offers a low basis, the region around Bethesda has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Employment concentration in 20814 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
The right play in 20814 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Bethesda:
Property Strategy for 20814
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $242,017 | $2,440 | 7.3% | +2.5% | $242,017 |
| 2BR | $388,268 | $2,720 | 5.0% | +2.1% | $194,134 |
| 3BR | $943,318 | $3,430 | 2.6% | +4.1% | $314,439 |
| 4BR | $1,181,061 | $4,040 | 2.5% | +4.3% | $295,265 |
| 5BR | $1,799,324 | — | — | +4.9% | $359,865 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 20814 Compare?
| Metric | 20814 | Bethesda | Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $762,266 | $560,037 | $424,997 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.7% | 2.8% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $2,822 | $3,629 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% | 2.6% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 20814 (Bethesda, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $762,266 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,822 |
| Price-to-Rent | 22.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.4% |
| Cap Rate | 2.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 4.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +2.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +1.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.3% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.9%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 20814
Population: 30,822
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 20814
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Rock View Elementary
Carderock Springs Elementary
Kensington Parkwood Elementary
Newport Mill Middle
Rock Creek Forest Elementary
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 1,958 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are vacancy rates like in Bethesda, MD?
Vacancy risk in Bethesda, MD is elevated. That supports stable cash flow for typical rental holds.
How qualified is the tenant pool in Bethesda, MD?
Bethesda, MD draws a predictable base of working renters. Demand at the $2,822/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
How does Bethesda, MD rate as a rental market?
Investors tracking Bethesda, MD will find a 2.0/5 rating supported by $762K median home values and $2,822/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting reliable returns.
Which investment style suits Bethesda, MD?
In Bethesda, MD the sturdy play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $762K prices and $2,822/mo rents suits that approach.
Are rents high in Bethesda, MD?
Average rent in Bethesda, MD is approximately $2,822/mo per month. Against $762K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
You know 20814 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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