Market Overview
Centreville is pricier ($600K median vs $480K), a difference of about $120K. Both cities average 16 days on market. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Centreville
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Price
$600K
$480K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
16 days
Price Range
$245K–$3.1M
$175K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Centreville leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Gaithersburg, families look to Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Centreville schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Centreville
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
84%
76%
Top Schools
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).
Centreville
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
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 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Centreville (15) vs Gaithersburg (32). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Centre Ridge and Kentlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Centreville
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
32
Bike Score
28
45
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% 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.
Centreville
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
1.3/1K
Property Crime
9.1/1K
15.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% below Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centreville or Gaithersburg more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $600K in Centreville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Centreville or Gaithersburg?
Centreville has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High 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, Centreville or Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Centreville has no direct Metro access. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).
Is Centreville or Gaithersburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. 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.