Market Overview
Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $480K), a difference of about $277K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Burke
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Price
$757K
$480K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
16 days
Price Range
$235K–$1.8M
$175K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Burke leads on school quality with a 86% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Gaithersburg, families look to Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Burke schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Burke
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
86%
76%
Top 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 home price of $480K, compared to $757K in Burke. 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.
Which has better schools, Burke or Gaithersburg?
Burke has stronger schools overall, with a 86% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Gaithersburg, standout schools include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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).
Is Burke or Gaithersburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park, top-rated schools, and tree-lined neighborhoods. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. 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.