Market Overview
Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $480K), a difference of about $88K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Manassas
VA
Median Price
$480K
$568K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
22 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$60K–$1.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Gaithersburg leads on school quality with a 76% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Manassas schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Manassas
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
76%
72%
Top Schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Gaithersburg
MD
Manassas
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~45 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-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
15
Bike Score
45
35
Safety
Manassas is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 7% above Virginia average. Gaithersburg is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Gaithersburg
MD
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Manassas more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $568K in Manassas. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Manassas?
Gaithersburg has stronger schools overall, with a 76% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Gaithersburg or Manassas?
Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Manassas has no direct Metro access.
Is Gaithersburg or Manassas better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.