Market Overview
Chesterfield's median sold price is $403K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Gaithersburg is at $520K and 32 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Gaithersburg is pricier ($520K median vs $403K), a difference of about $117K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 32 days on market compared to 37 in Chesterfield. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.
Chesterfield
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$403K
$520K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
37 days
32 days
Price Range
$150K–$900K
$175K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Chesterfield has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Chesterfield schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Chesterfield
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Avg Pass Rate
79%
76%
Public schools
Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Chesterfield is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).
Chesterfield
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-95, I-295, Rt 1, Rt 10, Rt 360
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesterfield or Gaithersburg more affordable?
Chesterfield is more affordable with a median sold price of $403K, compared to $520K in Gaithersburg (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. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chesterfield and Gaithersburg?
Chesterfield public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High 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, Chesterfield or Gaithersburg?
Chesterfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).
How do Chesterfield and Gaithersburg compare?
Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, public schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. 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.