Market Overview
Gaithersburg is pricier ($480K median vs $355K), a difference of about $125K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$480K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
18 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Richmond schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Richmond
VA
Avg Pass Rate
76%
67%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond 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), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Gaithersburg
MD
Richmond
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-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Gaithersburg. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
28
Bike Score
45
52
Safety
Gaithersburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Gaithersburg
MD
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, 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. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Richmond?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open 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 Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Richmond has no direct Metro access.
How do Gaithersburg and Richmond compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.