Maryland or Virginia

Between the DOGE layoffs and now the government shutdown, everyone keeps saying the DC housing market is slowing down. But what if I told you that in the DC area home prices increased in 11 zip codes – even as other markets were losing ground? I pulled the data, and some of these neighborhoods might surprise you. Let’s break down where home prices are rising, and why these spots are bucking the trend.

I’m Melissa Terzis, DC Real Estate Mama. I help people buy and sell homes in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Here on YouTube, I give you the No-BS truth about this real estate market. If you’re planning a move, let’s chat.

Across most of the country, home prices have flattened or even dropped slightly since 2024. But DC isn’t like the rest of the country. It never is. Our market moves to its own rhythm.
And while buyers have been nervous, sellers frustrated, and everyone’s waiting for interest rates to come down, some DC area home prices increased and some parts of Maryland, and Virginia are quietly heating up. What’s happening, and how is this happening when DC has the most political unrest we’ve seen since, well, the last time Trump was President.

We still have limited inventory, a strong job market, a huge tech corridor and one pretty significant reality – people sitting on 3% interest rates aren’t interested in selling at a clearance price.

Let’s look at the 11 zip codes in the DC Area where home prices increased and what they have in common.

Northern Virginia – Areas With Price Increases

McLean / Tysons – 22102

Well, no surprise here. McLean, Virginia – specifically the Tyson’s area, dominates the list with a 20% median price increase in 2025 vs 2024. There are new luxury condos, mixed-use developments, and ongoing infrastructure improvements. The silver line metro has been a boon for the area. 

In 2024, the median price in this zip code was $550,000. In 2025, it’s at $660,000. The older condo communities, particularly the high-rise buildings with high condo fees, carry much lower prices. If we removed all of these buildings, that would take out a ton of condos below $500,000. And the median price would climb into the $1M’s. 

Why McLean? Look where it’s located. Tyson’s is a huge employment hub, but it’s also situated between DC and the Reston/Herndon/Sterling tech corridor. If you’re looking for location, great schools for the kids and lots to do – why NOT McLean is really the question.

Alexandria (Fort Hunt area) – 22308

This one surprises people. Zip 22308 is in the Fort Hunt section of Alexandria. There are older homes, large lots, and strong schools. Families are holding tight here, so low inventory keeps prices rising. The median price jumped from $925,000 to $1,053,000 which is a 14% increase over 2024. There is also a significant “renovation” market here, with smaller groups doing house flips here, which will always raise the average prices.

My first experience in Fort Hunt was dropping a corgi off at her forever home. I was beyond pleasantly surprised at this adorable area of Virginia. You’re so close to the water and you can feel that in the air – there’s a relaxed feeling of being nowhere near DC.  The main roads of 95 and Route 1 are far enough to the west that it’s easy to not even know this area is here. 

It is very residential and quiet. You will need to drive to get to restaurants and shopping, but the quiet is what people appreciate about living here.

Vienna – 22182

The 22182 zip code is another standout. Vienna is family-friendly, has great schools, and sits right on the Silver Line. Even with higher interest rates, buyers prioritize location and community, and it shows in the price data. I had several clients chasing the Vienna market in the past year and they felt the pressure. Median prices rose 11% over last year, from $1.237M to $1.375M. 

Many clients with families find me from these YouTube videos. On our first call, if they say they want great schools, a family-friendly community and a hometown suburban vibe, guess where I tell them we’ll explore? Vienna. I’ve had some clients say it’s a little too suburban and quiet for them, but again, it completely depends on what you’re looking for. I think even the people who prefer more of an urban / city lifestyle like Arlington would never say Vienna is a terrible place to live. 

There are tons of restaurants and grocery stores here along Maple Avenue, easy access to green space and the W&OD Trail comes right through the center of town. There are festivals, parades and tons of events throughout the year.

Del Ray – 22301

Another area that’s not a surprise is Del Ray. In the past year, the median price in Del Ray has risen almost 10%, going from $957,000 to $1.05M. Del Ray has that small-town, walkable charm that lures people in, and they never want to leave. The avenue is filled with mom-and-pop restaurants and shops. There’s not a chain in the bunch except for maybe 7-Eleven. 

The closest metro is at the south end of the neighborhood at King Street. Del Ray also has many homes with basements in need of water proofing. It still doesn’t stop the buyers from coming. When homes list here, they go fast. The lifestyle drives demand: think coffee shops, parks, and easy access to DC.

South Arlington – 22204

Ooh! An underdog! And a rising one at that. Zip code 22204’s median price is up 9% over last year. The 2025 median price is $615,000, and was $565,000 in 2024. This zip code includes one of my favorite Arlington neighborhoods – Barcroft, as well as Glencarlyn, Alcova Heights and Columbia Pike. 

Columbia Pike was an area that felt run-down. Now, as one of Arlington’s three business corridors of focus, there are major redevelopments and lower price points compared to North Arlington.  It’s attracting first-time buyers and investors. Columbia Pike is filled with lots of authentic ethnic restaurants and businesses that you may miss if you don’t look closely. This is the main retail area that serves the other neighborhoods in the zip code. 

East Falls Church – 22213

Small but mighty, Zip 22213 may be called East Falls Church, but it’s Arlington. There is very limited inventory, easy Metro access, and well-kept single-family homes. The fact that many of the homes are right along 66 does not stop them from selling either. People love this area because it is part of Arlington but feels a bit less chaotic. Median prices are up 8.5% over last year, thanks mostly to the large homes selling here. Last year’s median price was $1.12M and is now $1.22M.

Maryland Areas With Price Increases

Takoma Park – 20912

Takoma Park always marches to its own beat. Eco-conscious buyers, charming homes, and a strong sense of community. Even as rates went up, prices here did too – by a whopping 9%. These are increases usually seen on the other side of the Potomac, but Takoma Park’s median price went from $674,000 to $735,000. Why?

There’s nothing for sale here. People love it, and you can tell by just driving around. I had clients with me in the car, and we passed several yards in Takoma Park where people had decorated their lawn with lots of art, some were sitting outside playing guitar amidst their lush and colorful landscaping. I said, “This is quintessential Takoma Park!” 

There’s a farmer’s market and a bustling downtown that sees lots of activity. It’s as west coast as we get here on the east coast and it’s so progressive that at 16 years old, residents  can vote in local elections!

Bethesda – 20814

Bethesda is Bethesda. Zip code 20814 median price went up 8%, from $880,000 to $950,000. Pushing this price up are downtown condos, luxury homes, and consistent demand. People love the walkability and great schools, plus the ease of getting into DC keeps Bethesda one of the most popular Maryland suburbs. 

This zip code spans two different neighborhoods on the northern and southern sides of NIH, or the National Institute of Health. There’s a metro stop at NIH and also one in downtown, so commuting here is super easy. The area north of NIH is residential and includes Alta Vista, Lone Oak and Wildwood Manor. Those areas are super close to the beltway, so if you’re commuting somewhere that the redline metro doesn’t take you, hopping on 495 is super easy. 

Landover & Cheverly – 20785

Now this one is really interesting. The median price point in Landover and Cheverly is up 7.4%. Because home prices are lower here, it’s not a huge jump in actual dollars like we have seen in the other zip codes. In 2024, the median price was $345,000 and it’s now $370,000. The reason this is interesting is that this is more of a first-time buyer area. Buyers here will usually have lower salaries compared to the other areas on this list. First time buyer areas are the areas that are usually hit first when the market softens. But we are not seeing this in Landover and Cheverly.

Buyers priced out of other areas are turning here. It’s a reminder that appreciation doesn’t only happen in luxury zip codes. Landover and Cheverly are very close to the eastern border of DC. This is situated between an ALDI and Costco in DC. There is not a lot here to walk to because the neighborhood is surrounded with main roads, but it has a very suburban feel. Cheverly though has had some issues with wet basements, so this is another area to triple check before you sign a contract.

Silver Spring – Colesville & Fairland) – 20904

Silver Spring’s 20904 zip code is seeing movement as people seek more space without paying Bethesda prices. It’s still well-connected with the Intercounty Connector (ICC / 200) giving you access to the western side of Montgomery County. As houses in closer-in Silver Spring have risen well into the $600’s and over $700,000, sales further north are picking up a bit.

Median price went from $585,000 in 2024 to $615,000 this year which is a 5.1% increase. These are not huge numbers, but it is a trend to take note of. Many people may have considered this area as a “covid move” but the demand is holding.

Bethesda – Glen Echo, Woodacres, Westgate – 20816

20816 sits between Bethesda and DC – great schools, great parks, and tight supply. It’s always been desirable, but limited turnover is pushing values up even more. Glen Echo can feel more isolated from the rest of Bethesda, but the median price rose from $1.32M to $1.38M – a 4.7% increase.

I have friends in Westgate. We got a great deal on their home pre-covid, but within a couple years, the prices had risen so high they said if they had to buy here again they couldn’t do it.

What These DC Area Zip Codes Have in Common

If you aren’t familiar with these areas, you may not have noticed the pattern. Every one of these areas either has one or more of the following:

• Great schools
• Metro access
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Or limited turnover

That combo creates price stability even when mortgage rates scare buyers away. In other words – these are your ‘shelter from the storm’ zip codes.”

There is one thing I want to point out with respect to Maryland. The actual dollars that translate into the 5% increases could be blips – and you don’t want to go in strong with an offer and escalation. Still lean on the side of conservatism because overpaying here may not pay off for several years until things shake out.

If you’re a homeowner in one of these zip codes, congratulations! Your equity probably grew this year. If you’re a buyer, don’t panic. This data isn’t a warning that everything’s out of reach. It’s proof that the DC area is full of micro-markets. Knowing which neighborhoods are quietly appreciating gives you a massive edge.