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
Leesburg leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Leesburg, families look to Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Leesburg schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Leesburg
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
76%
88%
Top 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
Find agents in Gaithersburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Gaithersburg.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Leesburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Leesburg.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
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.
Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Leesburg?
Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Leesburg, standout schools include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Gaithersburg or Leesburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.