Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $480K), a difference of about $230K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$480K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
23 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Herndon schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Herndon
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
76%
80%
Top Schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
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
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Gaithersburg is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Gaithersburg
MD
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Herndon more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $710K in Herndon. 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.
Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Herndon?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Herndon, standout schools include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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).
Is Gaithersburg or Herndon better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.