Bethesda Named the Second Snobbiest “Small City”

The tongue-in-cheek rankings pointed to the city's high income and lack of fast food restaurants

July 23, 2014 4:00 p.m.

Local residents like to crow about Bethesda’s regular appearance at the top of the lists of the most affluent, best educated and healthiest “small cities” in the country.

But a new ranking out Wednesday might have locals eating crow instead.

Movoto, a real estate website and blog, named Bethesda as the nation’s second snobbiest small city. (Palo Alto, California took top honors.) The tongue-in-cheek rankings were based on such per capita factors as median home price, median household income, percent of residents with a college degree, the number of private schools, the number of performing arts venues and art galleries, and the number of fast food restaurants (the fewer the better).

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In ranking Bethesda second, Movoto wrote: “It’s been said that you’ve got to be carefully taught, and Bethesda locals have certainly got that part of being snob down pat.  Over 83 percent of locals have at least a college degree, which is the highest percent on our entire list. What’s more is that this place had the third highest household income and the highest median home price, so that people who wish to live well and be known for it won’t have much trouble around these parts.”

The website added: “While this place did have quite a bit of fast food, it also had a ton of performing arts and arts galleries, as well as the 15th highest private schools rank. Besides, with eateries such as Bistro Provence around for those who like upscale French cuisine, who would want to get a fast food burger anyway?”

A caution to Rockville residents: Before you start mocking your snooty neighbors to the south, you should be aware that your fair city made the list as well. Rockville was tied for eighth with Encinitas, California.

Movoto wrote of Rockville: “…[T]his Maryland locale had some seriously snooty stats keeping it in the ranking for best hometowns for the highbrow. For starters, locals can send their little ones to elite private schools, the fifth most per capita on our list. And once Junior has accrued all this handy knowledge, they (sic) can flex their artistically-inclined minds at one of the numerous art galleries or museums in the area.”

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