Market Overview
Rockville is pricier ($560K median vs $420K), a difference of about $140K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$420K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
17 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Frederick has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Frederick schools | See Rockville schools
Frederick
MD
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
79%
85%
Public schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Frederick
MD
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~60 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Frederick. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
42
Bike Score
45
55
Safety
Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% below Virginia average. Frederick is rated "Average" (8% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Frederick
MD
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
16.8/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
8% above Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Rockville more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $560K in Rockville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Frederick and Rockville?
Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High 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, Frederick or Rockville?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
How do Frederick and Rockville compare?
Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.