Market Overview
Gainesville's median sold price is $720K with homes averaging 27 days on market; Severn is at $510K and 36 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Gainesville is pricier ($720K median vs $510K), a difference of about $210K. Gainesville moves faster, with homes averaging 27 days on market compared to 36 in Severn. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.
Gainesville
VA
Severn
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$720K
$510K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
27 days
36 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$200K–$750K
Notable Neighborhoods
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills
Schools
Gainesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gainesville include Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Gainesville schools | See Severn schools
Gainesville
VA
Severn
MD
Avg Pass Rate
80%
77%
Public schools
Gainesville High School, Battlefield High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Severn is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Gainesville (I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).
Gainesville
VA
Severn
MD
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~40 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55
I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gainesville or Severn more affordable?
Severn is more affordable with a median sold price of $510K, compared to $720K in Gainesville (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. Gainesville prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gainesville and Severn?
Gainesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gainesville include Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Gainesville or Severn?
Severn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Gainesville has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.
How do Gainesville and Severn compare?
Gainesville is a booming community in western Prince William County along the I-66 corridor. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County near Fort Meade and the NSA, with access to Baltimore and D. 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.