Question about Bethesda and Potomac (Chevy Chase, Kensington: to rent, house, neighborhood)

[Relocating2MD]

My husband is being re-located by his company to DC from Los Angeles. The original plan is for 1 year and then decide if we want to move back home, or move to the area permanently. We are very excited to have this opportunity to live near DC, in such an amazing area.
We've been out twice to find a house to rent. We found 2 we love this last trip, one is Bethesda, one in Potomac. I simply cannot decide where I would rather live. They are both beautiful and both have so much to offer. We have two elementary school aged children. Both schools where these homes are located are fabulous, one is within walking distance, one is not. Commuting is an obvious issue for my husband, but we live in LA so we're used to commuting somewhat. I've done a ton of research on areas, schools, shopping, commute, just about everything, and am still torn. Bethesda seems a little bit more "city," a little more sophisticated, whereas Potomac seems a little more "country," kind of "leave it to beaverish."
Any insight into the difference in lifestyle would be very much appreciated.

[tonyc]

I would choose Bethesda as it offers you the best of both worlds.

In Potomac, you have to drive to most things. My boss lives in Potomac, and she's always in my area shopping, going to dinner etc...

[Danbo1957]

"...whereas Potomac seems a little more "country," kind of "leave it to beaverish."

In $2 million+ homes. Bethesda, upper middle class; Chevy Chase, wealthy upper middle class; Potomac, wealthy.

[Kensington]

Bethesda ranges from urban to suburban depending on where you're at. If your husband is working in DC, I would rent in Bethesda. You can always move further out if you decide to buy something. I think many people choose Potomac because they can get more land and the housing stock is newer. I would consider Potomac suburban, not "country".

[mwruckman]

DC commutes are not to be taken lightly. If he is working in NW DC or in the Federal zones his employer had better provide parking. A parking garrage is preferable. I would recommend Bethesda. There is excellent Metro (Red line) service to the downtown from stations near the Medical Center-NIH, downtown Bethesda and Chevy Chase (Friendship Heights). These are all on Wisconsin Ave. Metro means a less stressful commutw and it is excellent for going into DC for an evening out or a weekend visit.

[macroy]

I'd agree with Kensington - Potomac is more suburbia than "country". Its all relative of course, but I'd see Poolsville as more "country" when talking about Montgomery County as a whole.

As for differences between the two, I think it will actually depend on the neighborhood you're looking at. While downtown Bethesda is obviously very urban, other parts can be as "country" as Potomac. I grew up in Bethesda and lived in Potomac for years. The area of Potomac I lived at (Newbridge drive) was actually closer to shops and malls than the Bethesda residence I grew up in (Persimmon Tree).

I don't think you can go wrong with either location. Bethesda has the Metro into DC. But Potomac is also very close via Clara Barton Pkwy / MacArthur Blvd. I personally prefer the drive if parking isn't an issue. And unless you live right in downtown Bethesda or along the red line - chances are you'll be driving to the Metro anyways.

[Relocating2MD]

Thank you all for your replies. I guess country is relative. When you're coming from Los Angeles it certainly looks country ...but yes, suburban is a better word than country. The house in Bethesda is in more of a surburban part of Bethesda, so it may just be the best of both worlds for us.

I had been leaning towards the house in Potomac over Bethesda. The reasons are as Kensington stated, more land and a newer home. Basically we feel we'd be getting more house/land for our money. The kids school is around the corner. They could play outside with little supervision (not something we can do here in LA.) It seems to be a lifstyle we've been trying to replicate in LA, but cannot fully b/c we don't live on a large piece of property and where we live is quite congested. But that being said, the commute is an obvious issue. Maybe I'm naive in thinking 8 more miles (from Bethesda) would only add another 20 minutes to his commute. His commute right now in LA is about 45 mins, which is common for commuting from where we live. Guess I need to re think that.

My husbands employeer will provide parking, although taking the Metro would be ideal. But the metro station is not within walking distance from either house, so he would have to drive.