Market Overview
Arlington's median sold price is $727K with homes averaging 38 days on market; Gaithersburg is at $515K and 34 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Arlington is pricier ($727K median vs $515K), a difference of about $212K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 34 days on market compared to 38 in Arlington. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Arlington
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$727K
$515K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
38 days
34 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$175K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Arlington schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Arlington
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Avg Pass Rate
89%
76%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).
Arlington
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Red
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Gaithersburg. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Gaithersburg (32). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Kentlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
32
Bike Score
72
45
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Arlington and Gaithersburg. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Arlington
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Reported Violent Crime
1.4/1K
1.3/1K
Reported Property Crime
15.2/1K
15.1/1K
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Gaithersburg more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $515K, compared to $727K in Arlington (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Gaithersburg?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty 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, Arlington or Gaithersburg?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).
How do Arlington and Gaithersburg compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. 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 lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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 September 2026.