Fort Sumner, Bethesda MD — Classic Homes Near the River & C&O Canal
Fort Sumner sits along the western edge of Bethesda near the Potomac River, offering residents a quiet, established setting with fast access to outdoor recreation and key commuter routes. The neighborhood is known for its mature trees, hillside lots, and a mix of stately Colonials, mid-century designs, and beautifully renovated homes.
With immediate reach to Clara Barton Parkway, the C&O Canal Towpath, Glen Echo Park, and Downtown Bethesda, Fort Sumner delivers the best of suburban calm with city convenience minutes away.
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Neighborhood Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near the Potomac River & Clara Barton Pkwy |
| Typical Pricing | ~$1.3M–$2.8M+ |
| Architecture | Colonials, mid-century homes, renovated luxury |
| Lot Sizes | ~0.20–0.50 acres |
| Walk Score | ~30–38 (primarily residential) |
| Bike Score | ~68–75 (excellent trail access nearby) |
| Public Schools | Wood Acres ES → Pyle MS → Whitman HS* |
| Commute to DC | ~8–10 minutes to Georgetown |
| Nearby Amenities | C&O Canal Towpath, Glen Echo Park, Westbard Square, Cabin John Village, Downtown Bethesda |
*School designations change — verify through MCPS.
Living in Fort Sumner
Fort Sumner is private, wooded, and peaceful — ideal for buyers seeking quiet streets and nature nearby. Many homes sit slightly elevated or recessed into the landscape, giving the area a natural, established feel. Residents enjoy easy access to the Potomac River, scenic bike routes, and a quick path into Washington, DC.
Popular lifestyle draws include:
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Leafy, low-traffic streets with long-term residents
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Minutes to the C&O Canal and river access points
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Close to Glen Echo Park for events & performing arts
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A short drive to Cabin John Village, Bethesda Row & Friendship Heights
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Quiet neighborhood feel without losing convenience
Outdoor living is a major perk — the Canal trail, river overlooks, and parkland are part of daily life here.
Homes & Architectural Style
Fort Sumner offers a wide mix of home types — many with renovations or expansions that modernize classic structure.
Colonial Homes
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Symmetrical architecture + brick exteriors
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Traditional floor plans with formal rooms
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Many include full or partial expansions
Mid-Century Homes
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Split-level and multi-floor interiors
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Large windows + natural light
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Efficient and flexible layouts
Renovated Luxury Properties
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Open main-level living + large kitchen islands
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Updated exterior elevations & improved curb appeal
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Outdoor living areas, patios, terraces & hardscaping
Common Features Across Fort Sumner:
✔ Mature shade trees & landscaped lots
✔ Fireplaces + hardwood floors
✔ Sunrooms, screened porches, or garden-facing additions
✔ Spacious backyards ideal for entertaining
Home Prices in Fort Sumner (2024–2025)
Pricing is influenced by lot size, updates, and proximity to Canal access.
| Home Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Mid-century + original condition homes | $1.3M–$1.7M |
| Updated / expanded Colonials | $1.8M–$2.3M |
| Fully renovated or luxury-expanded | $2.4M–$2.8M+ |
Inventory is competitive — move-in ready homes with modern renovations tend to sell quickly.
Who Lives in Fort Sumner?
You’ll often find:
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Buyers who want river + trail access as part of lifestyle
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Households interested in the Whitman school cluster*
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NIH & Walter Reed professionals
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Residents commuting to DC, Georgetown & Arlington
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Nature enthusiasts & recreational cyclists
*School boundaries should always be confirmed directly with MCPS.
Walkability, Access & Commute
Though primarily residential, Fort Sumner is one of the best-located neighborhoods for outdoor access and quick drives into DC.
Walkable / Bike Accessible:
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C&O Canal Towpath
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River trails + scenic overlooks
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Glen Echo Park
Within Minutes by Car:
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Cabin John Village retail + groceries
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Westbard Square Redevelopment
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Downtown Bethesda dining + Metro
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Capital Crescent Trail
Commute Times:
| Destination | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| Georgetown / Downtown DC | ~8–10 minutes |
| Northern Virginia | ~12–18 minutes |
| Bethesda Metro / Bethesda Row | ~10–15 minutes |
Schools Serving Fort Sumner
Public School Pathway (subject to change):
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Wood Acres Elementary School
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Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
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Walt Whitman High School
Verify with MCPS: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/
Nearby Independent Schools:
Holton-Arms • Landon • Norwood • Georgetown Prep • Washington Waldorf
Explore Nearby Neighborhoods
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Woodacres
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Cabin John
Considering a Move to Fort Sumner?
Legendary Homes of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in Bethesda-area neighborhoods including Fort Sumner, Glen Echo Heights, and Sumner. Our team helps buyers and sellers evaluate property value, renovation potential, and long-term demand in this highly desirable pocket.
📞 240-420-0444
🌐 LegendaryHomes.com
Schedule a consultation and explore what ownership in Fort Sumner can offer.
Fort Sumner FAQ
Q: Where is Fort Sumner located?
Fort Sumner is positioned near the Potomac River and Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, MD, offering fast access to the C&O Canal Towpath and DC.
Q: What types of homes are in Fort Sumner?
The neighborhood includes Colonials, mid-century homes, and renovated luxury properties with expansions and modern interiors.
Q: What is the average home price?
Homes in Fort Sumner typically range from $1.3M to $2.8M+, depending on renovation level, size, and lot features.
Q: Is Fort Sumner good for commuting?
Yes — the location offers a quick commute into DC, Georgetown, and Northern Virginia with minimal highway time.