Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $560K), a difference of about $60K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 17 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Ashburn
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$620K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
17 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 85% in Rockville. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Ashburn schools | See Rockville schools
Ashburn
VA
Rockville
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
89%
85%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Ashburn
VA
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
Silver
Red
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Ashburn
VA
Rockville
MD
Rate per $100
$0.870
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,394/yr
$5,533/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
42
Bike Score
35
55
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Rockville is rated "Average" (9% below 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
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Rockville?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 85% in Rockville. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge 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, Ashburn or Rockville?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Rockville?
Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K 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 Ashburn or Rockville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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.