Market Overview
Gaithersburg's median sold price is $515K with homes averaging 34 days on market; Harrisonburg is at $353K and 15 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Gaithersburg is pricier ($515K median vs $353K), a difference of about $163K. Harrisonburg moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 34 in Gaithersburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Gaithersburg
MD
Harrisonburg
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$515K
$353K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
34 days
15 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$150K–$600K
Notable Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Harrisonburg schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Harrisonburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
76%
74%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 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), Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11).
Gaithersburg
MD
Harrisonburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 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-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Harrisonburg more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $353K, 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. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Harrisonburg?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Gaithersburg or Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Gaithersburg and Harrisonburg compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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.
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 August 2026.