Buying & selling in Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase is one of the Washington region's most prestigious addresses — a cluster of historic, tree-lined communities straddling the DC–Maryland line in southern Montgomery County, just east of Bethesda and north of NW DC. Expect a premium, low-inventory market of gracious early-20th-century homes near Friendship Heights; most single-family homes trade well above $1M. Kelly Balmer has represented buyers and sellers across the Chevy Chase area for 13+ years, and prices and negotiates every home personally.
Chevy Chase at a glance
Chevy Chase sits right at the DC line in southern Montgomery County, with the Red Line at Friendship Heights and Bethesda putting downtown DC roughly 10–15 minutes away. Connecticut and Wisconsin Avenues are its main spines, and it borders both downtown Bethesda and the close-in neighborhoods of Northwest DC.
It was one of America's original streetcar suburbs — laid out by the Chevy Chase Land Company more than a century ago — and that heritage shows: mature tree canopy, gracious period homes, and a settled, established feel. Walkable retail and dining cluster around Friendship Heights, while the residential streets just beyond stay quiet and green.
Neighborhoods Kelly knows
"Chevy Chase" is really several distinct municipalities and neighborhoods, each with its own character:
- Chevy Chase Village — the historic, grand original section of stately homes; among the area's most coveted addresses.
- Town of Chevy Chase & the Sections (Village of Chevy Chase, Section 3 & 5) — established residential enclaves with classic homes and a strong community feel.
- Martin's Additions — a small, walkable municipality of charming homes near the Brookville Road shops.
- Chevy Chase View, North Chevy Chase & Rollingwood — leafy, family-oriented pockets a little further north and east.
- Friendship Heights — condos and co-ops for buyers who want lock-and-leave living steps from Metro and retail.
Note that Chevy Chase, DC — just across the line — is a separate DC neighborhood with its own taxes and schools. If you're weighing the Maryland and DC sides, ask Kelly; she's licensed in both.
Schools
Schools are a major draw. The Maryland side feeds highly regarded Montgomery County public schools, anchored by the Bethesda-Chevy Chase (B-CC) high school cluster, alongside several well-known private schools nearby.
Because attendance boundaries are set by address and can change, confirm the exact school assignment for any home before you commit. Kelly verifies current zoning for every client as part of the search.
The market & what to expect
Chevy Chase is one of the region's most prestigious and expensive submarkets, with a limited supply of historic homes and steady, year-round demand. For buyers, that rewards being financing-ready and decisive; for sellers, presentation and pricing of a distinctive period home matter enormously — the difference between a good and a great result is usually the preparation done before listing.
Rather than quote a figure that's stale by the time you read it, Kelly will give you the current picture for your specific block and home. Start with the buyer's guide or the seller's guide to see how she runs the process, or estimate a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Why work with Kelly in Chevy Chase
Kelly Standen Balmer is a Vice President at Compass and a partner in the Mollaan Babbington Group, with $130M+ sold and a Best-of-Zillow, 5.0-star record across 130+ client reviews. An English expat who has worked the DC, Maryland and Virginia markets for more than 13 years, she handles every deal personally — no handoffs to a junior team.
In a market built on distinctive historic homes and block-by-block nuance, that senior, hands-on representation is exactly what gets results.
Vice President & Partner, Mollaan Babbington Group at Compass · Licensed in DC · MD · VA
Chevy Chase buyers & sellers ask
Is Chevy Chase a good place to buy a home?
For many buyers, yes — Chevy Chase pairs highly rated schools, a short Red Line commute to DC, historic character, and homes that have historically held their value well. The trade-off is cost and supply: it's one of the region's most expensive and tightly held markets, so it rewards buyers who are clear on priorities and well-prepared.
How much does a home in Chevy Chase cost?
It spans a wide range, but most detached single-family homes trade well above $1 million, with the premier sections reaching considerably higher, while Friendship Heights condos and co-ops are more attainable entry points. Because the market moves, ask Kelly for the current figure for the specific area or home you're considering.
What's the difference between Chevy Chase, MD and Chevy Chase, DC?
They sit side by side but in different jurisdictions. The Maryland side is in Montgomery County (county property taxes, MCPS schools); Chevy Chase, DC is a District neighborhood with DC taxes and DCPS/charter options. Home styles overlap, but taxes, schools and process differ. Kelly is licensed in both and can compare them honestly for your situation.
Which part of Chevy Chase is best for families?
Families often look at the Town of Chevy Chase, the Sections, Martin's Additions, Rollingwood and North Chevy Chase for their established, residential feel and proximity to well-regarded schools. The right fit depends on budget and school priorities — and boundaries should always be confirmed by address.
Do I need a local agent to buy or sell in Chevy Chase?
It helps significantly. With multiple municipalities, historic homes, and pricing that varies block to block, a senior local agent who negotiates personally — as Kelly does — can be the difference between a good outcome and a great one.
Let's find your right home.
Whether you're buying, selling, or just want an honest read on the market, the next move starts with a conversation. Kelly answers personally.