Market Overview
Gaithersburg's median sold price is $515K with homes averaging 34 days on market; Herndon is at $700K and 27 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Herndon is pricier ($700K median vs $515K), a difference of about $185K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 27 days on market compared to 34 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Herndon
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$515K
$700K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
34 days
27 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$175K–$2.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Herndon schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
76%
80%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Gaithersburg
MD
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
Red
Silver
Major Highways
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 40 in Herndon. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
28
Bike Score
45
45
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Gaithersburg and Herndon. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Gaithersburg
MD
Herndon
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.3/1K
0.9/1K
Reported Property Crime
15.1/1K
12.8/1K
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Herndon more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $515K, compared to $700K in Herndon (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. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Herndon?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson 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 Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
How do Gaithersburg and Herndon compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.