Market Overview
Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $480K), a difference of about $390K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Leesburg
VA
Median Price
$480K
$870K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
22 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$150K–$5.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Leesburg has 88% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Leesburg, Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Leesburg schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Leesburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
76%
88%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).
Gaithersburg
MD
Leesburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~50 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
Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Leesburg. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Leesburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Lansdowne score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Leesburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
10
Bike Score
45
42
Safety
Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% 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
Leesburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
7.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
51% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Leesburg more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Leesburg?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Leesburg has 88% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Leesburg, Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Gaithersburg or Leesburg?
Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Leesburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Gaithersburg and Leesburg compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.
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 June 2026.