Market Overview
Gaithersburg is pricier ($480K median vs $250K), a difference of about $230K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Gaithersburg
MD
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$480K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
28 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$75K–$550K
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Portsmouth schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
76%
60%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Portsmouth 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), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Gaithersburg
MD
Portsmouth
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-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, 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. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Portsmouth?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom 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 Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Gaithersburg and Portsmouth compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Portsmouth is a waterfront city across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, with a rich naval heritage and a revitalizing downtown. 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.