Market Overview
Annapolis is pricier ($510K median vs $480K), a difference of about $30K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Annapolis
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Price
$510K
$480K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
16 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$175K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Annapolis leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Gaithersburg, families look to Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Annapolis schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Annapolis
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
76%
Top Schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).
Annapolis
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Gaithersburg. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Gaithersburg (32). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Kentlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
32
Bike Score
52
45
Safety
Gaithersburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Annapolis is rated "Below Average" (34% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Annapolis
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
1.3/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
15.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
Near Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Gaithersburg more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $510K in Annapolis. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Annapolis or Gaithersburg?
Annapolis has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. 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, Annapolis or Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).
Is Annapolis or Gaithersburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. 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.