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
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Rockville schools
Charlottesville
VA
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
80%
85%
Public 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Rockville?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton 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 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).
How do Charlottesville and Rockville 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. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. 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 June 2026.