Market Overview
Burke's median sold price is $660K with homes averaging 20 days on market; Gaithersburg is at $515K and 34 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Burke is pricier ($660K median vs $515K), a difference of about $145K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 34 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Burke
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$660K
$515K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
20 days
34 days
Price Range
$235K–$1.8M
$175K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Burke has a 86% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Burke schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Burke
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Avg Pass Rate
86%
76%
Public schools
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).
Burke
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
VRE (Burke Centre station)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Burke. Transit scores: Burke (15) vs Gaithersburg (32). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Burke Centre and Kentlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Burke
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
32
Bike Score
25
45
Safety
Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% 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.
Burke
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.5/1K
1.3/1K
Property Crime
8.2/1K
15.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
49% below Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burke or Gaithersburg more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $515K, compared to $660K in Burke (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. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Burke and Gaithersburg?
Burke public schools have a 86% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary 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, Burke or Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Burke has no direct Metro access. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).
How do Burke and Gaithersburg compare?
Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park and tree-lined neighborhoods. 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.
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 August 2026.