Market Overview
Rockville is pricier ($560K median vs $400K), a difference of about $160K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 22 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$400K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
17 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Rockville leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Rockville schools
Charlottesville
VA
Rockville
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
80%
85%
Top Schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Charlottesville
VA
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 48 in Charlottesville. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
42
Bike Score
58
55
Safety
Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% below 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
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Rockville more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $560K in Rockville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Charlottesville or Rockville?
Rockville has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle 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, Charlottesville or Rockville?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
Is Charlottesville or Rockville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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. 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.