Market Overview
Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $560K), a difference of about $197K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 17 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Burke
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$757K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
17 days
Price Range
$235K–$1.8M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Burke leads on school quality with a 86% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 85% in Rockville. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Burke schools | See Rockville schools
Burke
VA
Rockville
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
86%
85%
Top Schools
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
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 ~35 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Burke
VA
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
VRE (Burke Centre station)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Property Tax
On a $757K home in Burke, you would pay ~$8,403/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/yr. Rockville has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Burke
VA
Rockville
MD
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$8,403/yr
$5,533/yr
Notes
Fairfax 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 22 in Burke. Transit scores: Burke (15) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Burke Centre and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Burke
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
42
Bike Score
25
55
Safety
Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% 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.
Burke
VA
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.5/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
8.2/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
49% below Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burke or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Burke or Rockville?
Burke has stronger schools overall, with a 86% average pass rate compared to 85% in Rockville. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary 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, Burke or Rockville?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Burke has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
What are property taxes in Burke vs Rockville?
Burke has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$8,403/yr on a $757K 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 Burke or Rockville 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. 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.