Bethesda's Oldest Neighborhood — Steps from NIH & Metro
Alta Vista is recognized as Bethesda's first “real neighborhood,” with some homes on Beech Avenue dating to the 1880s. The name — Spanish for “high view” — was chosen by an early developer marketing the area for its elevated terrain and cool breezes. Around 1890, Alta Vista served as the terminus of a streetcar line running from Tenleytown in Washington, D.C.; at least one home still faces the former trolley right-of-way rather than the street. The trolley line closed in 1935, but the neighborhood's walkable character endures.
Often grouped with the adjacent Maplewood area as “Maplewood-Alta Vista,” the neighborhood is bounded roughly by Rockville Pike to the east, Old Georgetown Road to the west, the Capital Beltway to the north, and Cedar Lane to the south. The bulk of today's housing stock was built from the 1940s through the 1970s, with some later infill — ranches, split-levels, and colonials — though recent years have also brought luxury new construction including Bethesda Mews (29 single-family homes and townhomes by Streetscape Partners on the former American College of Cardiology site, completed around 2016). A Realtor who knows the range from original mid-century homes to new builds is key when buying or selling here.
The Maplewood Citizens Association (MCA) serves the broader area as a voluntary civic organization ($40/year), hosting community meetings, publishing the Mapleleaf Newsletter, and organizing events like the annual Turkey Chase.
Alta Vista is part of the Montgomery County Public Schools system. For current school assignments, visit the MCPS School Assignment Tool.
Always verify assignments with MCPS, as boundaries can change.
Whether you're looking to buy or sell in the Maplewood-Alta Vista area, we know this community inside and out. As your local Bethesda real estate agent, we'll help you navigate the market and achieve your goals.