Market Overview
Arlington's median sold price is $727K with homes averaging 38 days on market; Germantown is at $430K and 33 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Arlington is pricier ($727K median vs $430K), a difference of about $297K. Germantown moves faster, with homes averaging 33 days on market compared to 38 in Arlington. Germantown offers a lower entry point at $175K–$850K.
Arlington
VA
Germantown
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$727K
$430K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
38 days
33 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$175K–$850K
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Germantown has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Germantown, Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School. See Arlington schools | See Germantown schools
Arlington
VA
Germantown
MD
Avg Pass Rate
89%
78%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Northwest High School, Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente 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 ~40 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Germantown (I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355).
Arlington
VA
Germantown
MD
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~40 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in Germantown. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Germantown (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Churchill Village score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Germantown
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
22
Bike Score
72
32
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Arlington and Germantown. 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
Germantown
MD
Reported Violent Crime
1.4/1K
1/1K
Reported Property Crime
15.2/1K
12.5/1K
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Germantown more affordable?
Germantown is more affordable with a median sold price of $430K, 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. Germantown prices range from $175K–$850K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Germantown?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Germantown has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty 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, Arlington or Germantown?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Germantown has no direct Metro access.
How do Arlington and Germantown compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, with a range of home prices, retail, parks, and access to the I-270 corridor. 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.