Best Bethesda Condos in 20814 Zip Code for First Time Home Buyers

Bethesda condos in the 20814 zip code range from affordable properties that are perfect for someone downsizing or making their first home purchase to luxury condos in some of the best buildings in the metro area with million dollar price tags.  Whether you are a first time homebuyer or someone looking to live a luxury lifestyle, which you can lock and leave, chance are there is a perfect condo building just for you in the 20814 zip code.   The 20814 zip code is a great area of Bethesda which runs from near Old Georgetown Road in downtown Bethesda up along Wisconsin Ave/Rockville Pike north of the Beltway to N Bethesda.

BEST BETHESDA CONDOS in 20814 ZIP CODE FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS

I have several favorite condo buildings in Bethesda for first time home buyers.  My experience with first time home buyers is that they are trying to keep all their monthly housing expenses low so that they can qualify for that all important mortgage.  These condos have lower condo fees (although that typically means that the condo owner is responsible for the utilities and there may not be a lot of amenities in the building.)

PARKSIDE CONDOS 

Parkside Condos is a popular community for people looking for space and value. Located at the edge of Bethesda, it offers lots of convenience and proximity to metro, the Beltway, I-270, downtown Bethesda and Rockville. Residents love the pool and tennis, tot lots, the wooded location, and low rise buildings reflecting the mid-century modern architecture. Parking is easy with lots of surface lots. The biggest downside to this community is that it is not pet friendly, but you can have a therapy or service pet.  Located in a wooded setting, these condos are spacious and peaceful – and yet so close to everything. You would never imagine that you are just a few blocks away from the Grosvenor Metro (Red Line). You are also very close to the Walter Reed Medical Center, NIH, Marriott Headquarters, and the new Pike and Rose, with all the shops, movie theaters, bowling alley, and restaurants you could imagine. Pike and Rose is so big and innovative that it even has its own beach and a boat as a restaurant!  The elementary school, Garrett Park, is well regarded by the families that attend.  Parkside Condos are perfect for many buyers, including a first time home buyer or a family with school aged children.  Usually, there are several homes available for sale because the community is large.  To see what is available from a one bedroom to a three bedroom model, just click here.

FAIRMONT PLAZA

Located at 4801 Fairmont Ave, Bethesda, Md 20814, the Fairmont  Plaza delivers well-priced condos that blend modern convenience, walkable charm, and vibrant city energy. Nestled in the heart of one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the D.C. metro area, this 9-story condominium building offers more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

The Fairmont Plaza offers versatile floorplans from efficient studios (424 square feet in Tier 14) to spacious two-bedrooms (up to 1,244 square feet.)  The one bedroom one bath condos are in Tier 2 (618 square feet,) Tier 3 and 11 (626 square feet,) Tier 6 (632 square feet,) Tier 7 and Tier 12 (634 square feet,) Tier 5 (637 square feet,) Tier 1 and Tier 9 (640 square feet,) Tier 8 (646 square feet,) and Tier 13 (668 square feet.)  The 10 Tier is 2 bedrooms and 1 bath in 817 square feet while Tier 4 offers two bedrooms and one bath in 824 square feet.  The largest unit is 902 with 1244 square feet and two bedrooms and two baths. There is a home for you, regardless of which what size you want.  This building is so popular that sometimes good friends or relatives each buy a unit in the building so they can be close to each other!

The condos here offer updated interior: with granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood or vinyl plank flooring.  You will love the natural light and views from the large windows and balconies, which offer stunning views of downtown Bethesda and even Washington, D.C.  Fairmont Plaza condos have in unit washers and dryers, a treat for the busy professional or family!  Garage parking with the units makes life so much simpler (and less expensive!)  No more driving around looking for parking!

THE WHITEHALL

If you’re looking to buy a condo in Bethesda—and you’re hoping to find top value—the Whitehall Condominium stands out for a number of reasons. Below is an exploration of why this building offers such a compelling mix of location, amenities, and price, along with some things to check and tips for buyers.

The Whitehall is located at 4977 Battery Ln and 8315 N Brook Ln next to the Woodmont Triangle with all its shops and restaurants.. It sits on seven lush acres amidst downtown Bethesda, giving you green space in a neighborhood where many buildings are tightly packed.  Walkability is excellent: close to dining, shopping, the Bethesda Row area, and only minutes from the Metro — both the Bethesda and Medical Center stations are very accessible.  For commuters, this is a big plus. You get the convenience of urban life (restaurants, shops, transit) with the benefit of a major suburban market (Bethesda) rather than downtown D.C. prices.

The Whitehall offers a host of amenities: outdoor pool (and baby pool), fitness center/gym, laundry on each floor, landscaped grounds and walking paths, dog-walking areaSecure lobby with concierge/24-hour security.  Free or included parking is a major bonus in downtown Bethesda. Many buildings charge extra or have limited parking. In Whitehall, parking is included in the condo fee for many units. Units are frequently “renovated” or updated: hardwood floors, updated kitchens, new windows/AC in many listings. Example: Unit #311 highlighted “hardwood floors, updated HVAC, new windows, fresh paint” for $280K.

Why this helps value: When amenities and utilities are included, the “real cost” of living (monthly) is often lower than you’d expect. The upkeep and maintenance burden also tends to be lower when the building has good management and strong amenity offering.

SUSSEX HOUSE

The Sussex House is a convenient and affordable condo complex in Bethesda at 4970 Battery Lane. The Sussex House is located between the NIH Metro and the Bethesda Metro, just a short walk to the Woodmont Triangle with its unique stores and ethnic restaurants. People who live there love the classic mid century modern architecture with its big windows and distinctive lobby.

Sussex House on Battery Lane is a small condo community with only 54 units on six floors.  There is lots of surface parking available for the residents. There are a variety of units in Sussex House, including 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3-bedroom floor plans. Sussex House was built in 1974, so it is solidly built and very functional. You can expect large rooms with floor to ceiling windows in the living rooms and parquet floors throughout.  The lobby is a stunning example of mid-century architecture with its open staircase that seems to float in the air.  Unless the bathrooms have been redone, they have ceramic tile floors and traditional vanities. Many of the kitchens have been remodeled so granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances are common.

The location really can’t be beat.  It is on Battery Lane, close to two metros, the Woodmont Triangle, and the Battery Lane Park.  At the end of Battery Lane is the Harris Teeter and the large Trader Joe’s will be open soon on Wisconsin Avenue.  There are lots of shops and restaurants in the Woodmont Triangle, inviting you to stop by for a cup of coffee and a pastry or to find that perfect gift.

The complex has a small exercise room, common laundry facilities, and bike storage. In addition, the condo building is located on Battery Lane next to a community park with a children’s play area, tennis courts and pathways.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Bethesda? I’m Here to Help.

If you’re considering a move—whether it’s downsizing, upsizing, or simply exploring what’s possible—I’d love to guide you. As a longtime Bethesda Realtor with deep local knowledge, I help clients navigate the market with confidence, clarity, and a steady hand.

Reach out anytime for a friendly, no-pressure conversation.
Let’s make your next chapter a smooth and successful one.

📞 Call or text: 240-401-5577
📧 Email: lise@lisehowe.com
🌐 Learn more: www.theLiseHowegroup.com

 

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