Market Overview
Gaithersburg is pricier ($480K median vs $255K), a difference of about $225K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.
Gaithersburg
MD
Hampton
VA
Median Price
$480K
$255K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
25 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$80K–$650K
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe
Schools
Gaithersburg leads on school quality with a 76% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Hampton, families look to Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Hampton schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Hampton
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Average
Avg Pass Rate
76%
65%
Top Schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258).
Gaithersburg
MD
Hampton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Red
N/A
Major Highways
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
I-64, I-664, Rt 258
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Safety
Gaithersburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Hampton is rated "Below Average" (42% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Gaithersburg
MD
Hampton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
3.8/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
20.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
42% above Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Gaithersburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Gaithersburg.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Hampton
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Hampton.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Hampton more affordable?
Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $480K in Gaithersburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K.
Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Hampton?
Gaithersburg has stronger schools overall, with a 76% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Hampton, standout schools include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Gaithersburg or Hampton?
Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Hampton has no direct Metro access.
Is Gaithersburg or Hampton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
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 March 2026.