Market Overview
Annapolis's median sold price is $615K with homes averaging 35 days on market; Gaithersburg is at $520K and 32 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Annapolis is pricier ($615K median vs $520K), a difference of about $95K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 32 days on market compared to 35 in Annapolis. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Annapolis
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$615K
$520K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
35 days
32 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$175K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Annapolis schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Annapolis
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Avg Pass Rate
80%
76%
Public 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 sold price of $520K, compared to $615K in Annapolis (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Gaithersburg?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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).
How do Annapolis and Gaithersburg compare?
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 right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.