U.S. News & World Report has ranked Bethesda among the best places to live in the country for quality of life. Bethesda was ranked No. 4 on U.S. News’ list of the “Best Places to Live for Quality of Life in the U.S. in 2026-2027,” which analyzed 859 cities nationwide.
According to U.S. News, its Quality of Life Index measures how satisfied residents are with their daily lives and considers factors including crime, the quality and availability of health care, quality of education, and average commute time.
Bethesda received an overall score of 6.5. U.S. News listed the following statistics for Bethesda:
• Population: 74,788
• Average commute: 28 minutes
• Median home value: $1,143,248
• Median monthly rent: $2,164
• Median household income: $190,712
Bethesda finished behind Tamarac, Florida, which ranked No. 1; Palo Alto, California, at No. 2; and Doral, Florida, at No. 3. Carrollton, Texas, rounded out the top five. The full list of “Best Places to Live for Quality of Life in the U.S. in 2026-2027” can be seen here.
