City Comparison

Gaithersburg vs Severn: How they compare

Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Gaithersburg is pricier ($480K median vs $430K), a difference of about $50K. Both cities average 16 days on market. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Gaithersburg

MD

Severn

MD

Median Price

$480K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

16 days

Price Range

$175K–$1.2M

$200K–$750K

Top Neighborhoods

Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Severn schools

Gaithersburg

MD

Severn

MD

Avg Pass Rate

76%

77%

Public schools

Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

76%
77%

Commute

Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Gaithersburg

MD

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~35 min

~40 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-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

None

MD

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MD

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See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gaithersburg or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median home price of $430K, 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. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Severn?

Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill 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 Severn?

Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Severn has no direct Metro access.

How do Gaithersburg and Severn compare?

Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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.

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Gaithersburg vs Severn: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover