Market Overview
Chantilly is pricier ($710K median vs $440K), a difference of about $270K. Germantown moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Germantown offers a lower entry point at $175K–$850K.
Chantilly
VA
Germantown
MD
Median Price
$710K
$440K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
15 days
Price Range
$25K–$2.8M
$175K–$850K
Top Neighborhoods
Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields
Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley
Schools
Chantilly has a 85% average SOL pass rate; Germantown has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School; in Germantown, Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School. See Chantilly schools | See Germantown schools
Chantilly
VA
Germantown
MD
Avg Pass Rate
85%
78%
Public schools
Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary
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. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Major highway access: Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50), Germantown (I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355).
Chantilly
VA
Germantown
MD
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~40 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Dulles Airport)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50
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 20 in Chantilly. Transit scores: Chantilly (12) vs Germantown (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Sully Station and Churchill Village score much higher than suburban areas.
Chantilly
VA
Germantown
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
22
Bike Score
22
32
Safety
Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 44% 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.
Chantilly
VA
Germantown
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1/1K
Property Crime
8.8/1K
12.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
44% below Virginia average
20% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chantilly or Germantown more affordable?
Germantown is more affordable with a median home price of $440K, compared to $710K in Chantilly. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M. Germantown prices range from $175K–$850K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chantilly and Germantown?
Chantilly public schools have a 85% average SOL pass rate; Germantown has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School; in Germantown, Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Chantilly or Germantown?
Germantown has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport). Germantown has no direct Metro access.
How do Chantilly and Germantown compare?
Chantilly offers spacious homes and public schools in western Fairfax County. Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, offering affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods along the I-270 corridor. 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.
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 July 2026.