Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $480K), a difference of about $200K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 16 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Alexandria
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Price
$680K
$480K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
16 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$175K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Alexandria leads on school quality with a 78% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Gaithersburg, families look to Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Alexandria schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Alexandria
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
78%
76%
Top Schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).
Alexandria
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Red
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Gaithersburg. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Gaithersburg (32). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Kentlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
32
Bike Score
64
45
Safety
Gaithersburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Alexandria is rated "Average" (15% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Alexandria
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
1.3/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
15.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Gaithersburg more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $680K in Alexandria. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Gaithersburg?
Alexandria has stronger schools overall, with a 78% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Gaithersburg, standout schools include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Gaithersburg?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).
Is Alexandria or Gaithersburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated March 2026.