City Comparison

Dumfries vs Gaithersburg: How they compare

Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Dumfries's median sold price is $595K with homes averaging 30 days on market; Gaithersburg is at $520K and 32 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Dumfries is pricier ($595K median vs $520K), a difference of about $75K. Dumfries moves faster, with homes averaging 30 days on market compared to 32 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.

Dumfries

VA

Gaithersburg

MD

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$595K

$520K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

30 days

32 days

Price Range

$200K–$750K

$175K–$1.2M

Notable Neighborhoods

Montclair, Potomac Club, Triangle, Cherry Hill

Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square

Schools

Dumfries has a 71% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Dumfries schools | See Gaithersburg schools

Dumfries

VA

Gaithersburg

MD

Avg Pass Rate

71%

76%

Public schools

Forest Park High School, Graham Park Middle School, Leesylvania Elementary

Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School

Pass Rate

71%
76%

Commute

Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Dumfries (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).

Dumfries

VA

Gaithersburg

MD

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~35 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)

Metro Lines

N/A

Red

Major Highways

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234

I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

MARC (Brunswick Line)

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dumfries or Gaithersburg more affordable?

Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $520K, compared to $595K in Dumfries (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. Dumfries prices range from $200K–$750K. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Dumfries and Gaithersburg?

Dumfries public schools have a 71% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park 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, Dumfries or Gaithersburg?

Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Dumfries has no direct Metro access. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).

How do Dumfries and Gaithersburg compare?

Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. 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.

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Dumfries vs Gaithersburg: $595K vs $520K (2026) | smover