Market Overview
Charlottesville's median sold price is $534K with homes averaging 43 days on market; Gaithersburg is at $520K and 32 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Charlottesville is pricier ($534K median vs $520K), a difference of about $14K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 32 days on market compared to 43 in Charlottesville. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$534K
$520K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
43 days
32 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$175K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Charlottesville
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Avg Pass Rate
80%
76%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).
Charlottesville
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Gaithersburg. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Gaithersburg (32). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Kentlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
32
Bike Score
58
45
Safety
Gaithersburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Charlottesville is rated "Below Average" (32% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Charlottesville
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
1.3/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
15.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Gaithersburg more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $520K, compared to $534K in Charlottesville (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Gaithersburg?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Charlottesville or Gaithersburg?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).
How do Charlottesville and Gaithersburg compare?
Charlottesville is a college town centered around the University of Virginia, with a walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia wine country. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.