City Comparison

Gaithersburg vs Henrico: Which is right for your family?

Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Henrico County is a major Richmond suburb offering diverse neighborhoods from the urban-adjacent West End to the rural eastern reaches. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Gaithersburg is pricier ($480K median vs $370K), a difference of about $110K. Both cities average 16 days on market. Henrico offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.2M.

Gaithersburg

MD

Henrico

VA

Median Price

$480K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

16 days

Price Range

$175K–$1.2M

$150K–$1.2M

Top Neighborhoods

Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square

Short Pump, Glen Allen, West End, Innsbrook

Schools

Henrico leads on school quality with a 78% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Henrico, families look to Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Henrico schools

Gaithersburg

MD

Henrico

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

76%

78%

Top Schools

Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School

Deep Run High School, Glen Allen High School, Mills Godwin High School

Pass Rate

76%
78%

Commute

Henrico is closer to downtown at ~15 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), Henrico (I-64, I-95, I-295).

Gaithersburg

MD

Henrico

VA

Drive to Downtown

~35 min

~15 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-95, I-295, Rt 250, Rt 33

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

None

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gaithersburg or Henrico more affordable?

Henrico is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Henrico prices range from $150K–$1.2M.

Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Henrico?

Henrico has stronger schools overall, with a 78% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Henrico, standout schools include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Gaithersburg or Henrico?

Henrico has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Henrico has no direct Metro access.

Is Gaithersburg or Henrico better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Henrico County is a major Richmond suburb offering diverse neighborhoods from the urban-adjacent West End to the rural eastern reaches. 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.