Market Overview
Gaithersburg is pricier ($480K median vs $280K), a difference of about $200K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$480K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
24 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$100K–$1M
Notable Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Norfolk schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Norfolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
76%
65%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Gaithersburg
MD
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 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-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Gaithersburg. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
22
Bike Score
45
48
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Gaithersburg and Norfolk. 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
Norfolk
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.3/1K
4.2/1K
Reported Property Crime
15.1/1K
24.8/1K
MD
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $480K in Gaithersburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Norfolk?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby 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 Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Gaithersburg and Norfolk compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. 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.
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 September 2026.