City Comparison

Annapolis vs Rockville: Which is right for your family?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Rockville is pricier ($560K median vs $510K), a difference of about $50K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.

Annapolis

MD

Rockville

MD

Median Price

$510K

$560K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

17 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$200K–$1.8M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove

Schools

Rockville leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Annapolis schools | See Rockville schools

Annapolis

MD

Rockville

MD

Quality Tier

Strong

Excellent

Avg Pass Rate

80%

85%

Top Schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School

Pass Rate

80%
85%

Commute

Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).

Annapolis

MD

Rockville

MD

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~30 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)

Metro Lines

N/A

Red

Major Highways

Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97

I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28

Commuter Rail

None

MARC (Brunswick Line)

Property Tax

On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.

Annapolis

MD

Rockville

MD

Rate per $100

$0.935

$0.988

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$4,769/yr

$5,533/yr

Notes

Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738

Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328

Walkability

Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 45 in Annapolis. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.

Annapolis

MD

Rockville

MD

Walk Score

45Car-Dependent
52Somewhat Walkable

Transit Score

18

42

Bike Score

52

55

Safety

Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% 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

Rockville

MD

Safety Rating

Below Average
Average

Violent Crime

2.2/1K

1.1/1K

Property Crime

20.5/1K

14.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

34% above Virginia average

9% below Virginia average

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Rockville more affordable?

Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $560K in Rockville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.

Which has better schools, Annapolis or Rockville?

Rockville has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Rockville, standout schools include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Rockville?

Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).

What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Rockville?

Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Annapolis or Rockville better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. 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.