The Smartest City

Although it may appear unremarkable at first glance, Bethesda, Maryland is the best-educated city in the U.S.

1 minute read

September 19, 2002, 9:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Maybe it's the advanced degrees, maybe it's the lawyers, but whatever it is, spending just a little time here makes it clear that Bethesda is not just another suburb. Throughout the history of political philosophy – from Plato to Jefferson – "rule by the wise" has been an ideal. But what really happens when all the smart kids start their own city? You get Bethesda, a slice of meticulously planned America, where the streets are immaculate, dogs get their own bakery, and upscale élan is a way of life."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Wednesday, September 18, 2002 in The Christian Science Monitor

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