Market Overview
Centreville is pricier ($600K median vs $440K), a difference of about $160K. Germantown moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 16 in Centreville. Germantown offers a lower entry point at $175K–$850K.
Centreville
VA
Germantown
MD
Median Price
$600K
$440K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
15 days
Price Range
$245K–$3.1M
$175K–$850K
Top Neighborhoods
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley
Schools
Centreville leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 78% in Germantown. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Germantown, families look to Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School. See Centreville schools | See Germantown schools
Centreville
VA
Germantown
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
84%
78%
Top Schools
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Northwest High School, Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Germantown is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Germantown (I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355).
Centreville
VA
Germantown
MD
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~40 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Germantown is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Centreville (15) vs Germantown (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Centre Ridge and Churchill Village score much higher than suburban areas.
Centreville
VA
Germantown
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
22
Bike Score
28
32
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% below Virginia average. Germantown is rated "Safe" (20% below 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
Germantown
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
1/1K
Property Crime
9.1/1K
12.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% below Virginia average
20% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centreville or Germantown more affordable?
Germantown is more affordable with a median home price of $440K, 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. Germantown prices range from $175K–$850K.
Which has better schools, Centreville or Germantown?
Centreville has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 78% in Germantown. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Germantown, standout schools include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Centreville or Germantown?
Germantown has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Centreville has no direct Metro access. Germantown has no direct Metro access.
Is Centreville or Germantown better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, offering affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods along the I-270 corridor. 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.