Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $440K), a difference of about $310K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 15 in Germantown. Germantown offers a lower entry point at $175K–$850K.
Arlington
VA
Germantown
MD
Median Price
$750K
$440K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
15 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$175K–$850K
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 78% in Germantown. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Germantown, families look to Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School. See Arlington schools | See Germantown schools
Arlington
VA
Germantown
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
78%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Northwest High School, Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School
Pass Rate
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
Safety
Germantown is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 20% below Virginia average. Arlington is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Arlington
VA
Germantown
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
1/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
12.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
20% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Germantown more affordable?
Germantown is more affordable with a median home price of $440K, compared to $750K in Arlington. 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.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Germantown?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 78% in Germantown. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Germantown, standout schools include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Arlington or Germantown better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, offering affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods along the I-270 corridor. 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.