Market Overview
Frederick's median sold price is $450K with homes averaging 35 days on market; Gaithersburg is at $515K and 34 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Gaithersburg is pricier ($515K median vs $450K), a difference of about $65K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 34 days on market compared to 35 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$450K
$515K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
35 days
34 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$175K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Schools
Frederick has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. See Frederick schools | See Gaithersburg schools
Frederick
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Avg Pass Rate
79%
76%
Public schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson 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 ~60 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355).
Frederick
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Drive to Downtown
~60 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Frederick. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Gaithersburg (32). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Kentlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
32
Bike Score
45
45
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Frederick 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.
Frederick
MD
Gaithersburg
MD
Reported Violent Crime
1.5/1K
1.3/1K
Reported Property Crime
16.8/1K
15.1/1K
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Gaithersburg more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median sold price of $450K, compared to $515K in Gaithersburg (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. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Frederick and Gaithersburg?
Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Gaithersburg has 76% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale 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, Frederick or Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove).
How do Frederick and Gaithersburg compare?
Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.