Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $480K), a difference of about $90K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Reston
VA
Median Price
$480K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
14 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Reston schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
76%
83%
Top Schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Gaithersburg
MD
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
Red
Silver
Major Highways
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Gaithersburg. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
35
Bike Score
45
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Reston more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Gaithersburg or Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
Is Gaithersburg or Reston better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.