What is it like to live in Bethesda Maryland?

[Mr Beco]

Bethesda is ok, there is just a lot going on here. A lot of construction with retail, and new town centers, high rise apartments and , more homes being built.

Traffic is a tad rough, at times, NIH presents some issues with regards to traffic and construction. Rent is expensive, but its a nice place to live. I think, its clean, and people seem to be nice, on most days. Unless they predict snow.....

[Getmeoutofdc]

Wow I really disagree with some of these comments about Bethesda. And I'm African American. It's not all "vanilla" here.

I wasn't born or raised here nor do I have any particular allegiance to this town. (I'm actually in a hurry to leave D.C. in general). I'm definitely NOT rich, but as far as Bethesda not being vibrant or happening.... it depends on where you're comparing it to.

I can walk minutes to restaurants and bars with diverse menus. When I don't have tons of cash, I hit up happy hour. A hookah bar is two blocks from my house. There are neighborhood festivals during the warm months. When people come to visit me they rave because we can metro into D.C. and we can walk around for brunch and mimosas. And when I want to save money on shopping... I just leave Bethesda and go to other stores.

Maybe I like simple things, but Bethesda's a nice and safe place to chill if you can find affordable housing... trust me I live in the cheapest apartment complex Bethesda has to offer. And I pay as much rent here as I would in Silver Spring. So why not stick around where it's nicer, cleaner and less shady?

I do agree that some people in Bethesda can be pretentious, but in my opinion that's pretty standard in the entire D.C. Metro area. That's one of the reasons I'm losing interest in this city.