Market Overview
Fairfax's median sold price is $765K with homes averaging 26 days on market; Gaithersburg is at $515K and 34 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Fairfax is pricier ($765K median vs $515K), a difference of about $250K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 34 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Fairfax
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$765K
$515K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
26 days
34 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$175K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Fairfax schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Fairfax
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Avg Pass Rate
87%
76%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).
Fairfax
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
Metro Lines
Orange
Red
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Gaithersburg (32). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Kentlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
32
Bike Score
42
45
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Fairfax and Gaithersburg. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Fairfax
VA
Gaithersburg
MD
Reported Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.3/1K
Reported Property Crime
10.2/1K
15.1/1K
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Gaithersburg more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $515K, compared to $765K in Fairfax (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Gaithersburg?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley 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, Fairfax or Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).
How do Fairfax and Gaithersburg compare?
Fairfax combines public-school access, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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 lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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 September 2026.