Smithfield is a small Bethesda neighborhood of approximately 85 detached homes near Greentree Road and Cabin John parkland. The community is known for substantial residential lots, mature trees, traditional architecture, and streets that generally do not serve as through routes.
Buyers searching for Smithfield homes for sale will primarily find houses constructed during the 1960s, including Colonial, split-level, and contemporary designs. Many properties have been renovated or expanded, while others retain more of their original layouts and finishes.
Smithfield is located in Bethesda’s 20817 ZIP code. Homes associated with the subdivision can be found along Tusculum Way, Greentree Road, Herb Farm Drive, and nearby residential streets. Some properties back to wooded areas or Cabin John parkland, although this should be confirmed for each address.
The subdivision was largely developed during the mid-1960s. Its homes commonly occupy lots near one-half acre, but dimensions, topography, and usable outdoor space vary. The limited number of residences means that public listing inventory may be low at any particular time.
| Location | Bethesda, Maryland 20817 |
|---|---|
| Community Size | Approximately 85 homes |
| Housing Type | Detached single-family homes |
| Development Period | Primarily the 1960s |
| Common Architecture | Colonial, split-level, and contemporary designs |
| Ownership | Generally fee-simple ownership |
| Homeowners Association | Recent listings commonly report no HOA; verify for the specific property |
| Nearby Recreation | Cabin John Stream Valley Park and Cabin John Regional Park |
Subdivision boundaries, HOA status, school assignments, and park access should be independently verified for each address.
Smithfield homes were constructed with several traditional suburban floor plans. Colonial residences may offer formal living and dining rooms, fireplaces, attached garages, bedroom levels, and finished basements. Split-level and contemporary homes can provide multiple living areas, larger windows, or stronger connections to patios and wooded yards.
Renovations vary considerably. Updated properties may have expanded kitchens, redesigned primary suites, additional bathrooms, home offices, replacement windows, and improved mechanical systems. Other homes provide an opportunity for renovation or expansion.
Buyers should determine which portions of a property are original and request permits for additions or major alterations. A renovated kitchen does not necessarily indicate that the roof, plumbing, electrical service, drainage, or heating and cooling equipment has also been replaced.
Many Smithfield properties have substantial yards with mature landscaping. Some homes back to trees or parkland, creating a setting that can feel removed from nearby commercial corridors. Lot size, privacy, and views should still be evaluated individually.
Wooded properties require attention to drainage, grading, retaining walls, tree health, and falling-limb risks. Buyers should also determine whether the rear boundary meets county parkland or privately owned open space. Proximity to parkland does not permit private landscaping, structures, or tree removal beyond the property line.
A current survey can identify boundaries, easements, fences, and possible encroachments. Future additions remain subject to Montgomery County zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, stormwater requirements, tree rules, and permits.
Parts of Smithfield adjoin or sit near the Cabin John Stream Valley Park system. Montgomery Parks identifies this system as containing more than 520 acres across six park units, with natural-surface trails available in several sections.
Cabin John Regional Park provides additional recreation, including trails, picnic areas, athletic facilities, an ice rink, tennis center, nature center, and seasonal activities. Operating schedules, permits, and construction conditions should be confirmed with Montgomery Parks.
Trail access is not available directly from every Smithfield property. Buyers interested in regular walking or cycling should identify the nearest public entrance rather than crossing private property or an unmarked park boundary.
Greentree Road connects the neighborhood with Old Georgetown Road and other Bethesda streets. Old Georgetown Road provides access toward downtown Bethesda, the National Institutes of Health, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, North Bethesda, I-495, and I-270.
Smithfield is not centered around a Metro station. Residents may drive, use bus connections, cycle, or arrange drop-off access to Bethesda Metro. Transit schedules and practical commuting times should be checked from the specific property.
Shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, and professional services are available along Old Georgetown Road, in downtown Bethesda, and near Westfield Montgomery. Travel times vary with traffic.
Because Smithfield contains approximately 85 homes, listing opportunities may be limited. Buyers can prepare by arranging financing, defining renovation preferences, and monitoring new listings before the right property becomes available.
Inspections should address the roof, foundation, drainage, electrical service, plumbing, windows, insulation, chimneys, decks, retaining walls, and mechanical systems. For expanded homes, buyers should request permits, plans, warranties, and final inspection records.
Buyers planning future construction should complete a feasibility review before purchasing. Park boundaries, environmental buffers, easements, trees, and stormwater requirements may affect what can be built.
Smithfield sellers should emphasize the property’s lot, architecture, renovations, outdoor space, and relationship to surrounding parkland without overstating privacy or direct trail access. Professional photography should document the house, yard, landscaping, and interior layout accurately.
Surveys, permits, warranties, system ages, and improvement records should be organized before listing. A floor plan can help buyers understand additions, finished lower levels, offices, and flexible living areas.
Smithfield is near Greentree Road in Bethesda’s 20817 ZIP code.
Real estate records commonly describe Smithfield as an enclave of approximately 85 detached homes.
Most Smithfield homes were constructed during the 1960s, with later renovations and additions.
Recent listings commonly report no HOA. Buyers should verify the title and recorded covenants for the specific property.
Many Smithfield properties back to trees or Cabin John parkland, but this is not true of every home and should be confirmed through a survey.
The community is not directly adjacent to Metro. Bethesda Station can be reached by driving, transit connections, cycling, or drop-off.
Montgomery County Public Schools serves the neighborhood. Assignments should be verified using the exact address.
Expansion may be possible, subject to zoning, setbacks, park boundaries, easements, trees, stormwater requirements, and permits.
Contact Dell Residential for current Smithfield listings, private showing assistance, and guidance on buying or selling Bethesda real estate.