Maryland's #1 Richest City (Forbes 2024)

Chevy Chase isn’t a single neighborhood—it’s a collection of villages, sections, and incorporated towns that together form one of Maryland’s most prestigious addresses. Forbes named it Maryland’s #1 Richest City in 2024, and Niche ranked it the #1 Best Place to Retire in Maryland for 2025.

Understanding Chevy Chase requires a map. Chevy Chase Village, the Town of Chevy Chase, Section 3, Section 5, Martin’s Additions, and North Chevy Chase each maintain their own governance while sharing the illustrious name. The distinction matters for property taxes and local services, though the overall character remains consistent—tree-lined streets, manicured lawns, and homes ranging from $650,000 to well over $10 million.

The southern sections near the DC border command the highest prices. Here you’ll find estate-style homes on large lots, many built in the early 20th century as Washington’s elite moved to the suburbs. Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., and Bloomingdale’s at the Friendship Heights shopping district cater to residents’ tastes. The new Chevy Chase Lake mixed-use development brings contemporary residential options and fresh retail.

Three Metro stations on the Red Line serve the area—Friendship Heights, Bethesda, and Medical Center—making commutes into DC remarkably convenient for a community of this character. That accessibility, combined with excellent schools in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School cluster, drives demand from families willing to pay premium prices.

The Purple Line construction promises to add another transit option, with a station at Chevy Chase Lake connecting to Silver Spring and beyond.

Homes here rarely come with modern floor plans or generous closets—you’re buying architecture and location, often with significant renovation potential. Toll Brothers’ new Chevy Chase Crossing development offers townhomes for buyers seeking contemporary construction.

For those who can afford the entry price, Chevy Chase offers an established community with genuine permanence.