City Comparison

Annapolis vs Germantown: How they compare

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, offering affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods along the I-270 corridor. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Annapolis's median sold price is $615K with homes averaging 35 days on market; Germantown is at $430K and 33 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Annapolis is pricier ($615K median vs $430K), a difference of about $185K. Germantown moves faster, with homes averaging 33 days on market compared to 35 in Annapolis. Germantown offers a lower entry point at $175K–$850K.

Annapolis

MD

Germantown

MD

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$615K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

35 days

33 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$175K–$850K

Notable Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley

Schools

Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Germantown has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Germantown, Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School. See Annapolis schools | See Germantown schools

Annapolis

MD

Germantown

MD

Avg Pass Rate

80%

78%

Public schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Northwest High School, Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School

Pass Rate

80%
78%

Commute

Germantown is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Germantown (I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355).

Annapolis

MD

Germantown

MD

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~40 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97

I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355

Commuter Rail

None

MARC (Brunswick Line)

Walkability

Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Germantown. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Germantown (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Churchill Village score much higher than suburban areas.

Annapolis

MD

Germantown

MD

Walk Score

45Car-Dependent
28Car-Dependent

Transit Score

18

22

Bike Score

52

32

Safety

Germantown is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 20% below 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

Germantown

MD

Safety Rating

Below Average
Safe

Violent Crime

2.2/1K

1/1K

Property Crime

20.5/1K

12.5/1K

vs Virginia Avg

34% above Virginia average

20% below Virginia average

MD

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Germantown more affordable?

Germantown is more affordable with a median sold price of $430K, 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+. Germantown prices range from $175K–$850K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Germantown?

Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Germantown has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Germantown, Northwest High School and Seneca Valley 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 Germantown?

Germantown has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Germantown has no direct Metro access.

How do Annapolis and Germantown compare?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, offering affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods along the I-270 corridor. 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.

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Annapolis vs Germantown: $615K vs $430K (2026) | smover