Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $480K), a difference of about $140K. Both cities average 16 days on market. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Ashburn
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Price
$620K
$480K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
16 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$175K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Ashburn has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Ashburn schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Ashburn
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Avg Pass Rate
89%
76%
Public schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).
Ashburn
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
Metro Lines
Silver
Red
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Gaithersburg (32). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Kentlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
32
Bike Score
35
45
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Gaithersburg 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.
Ashburn
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
1.3/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
15.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Gaithersburg more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $620K in Ashburn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Ashburn and Gaithersburg?
Ashburn public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge 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, Ashburn or Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).
How do Ashburn and Gaithersburg compare?
Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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 can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
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 June 2026.