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's median sold price is $520K with homes averaging 32 days on market; Severn is at $510K and 35 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Gaithersburg is pricier ($520K median vs $510K), a difference of about $10K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 32 days on market compared to 35 in Severn. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Gaithersburg

MD

Severn

MD

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$520K

$510K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

32 days

35 days

Price Range

$175K–$1.2M

$200K–$750K

Notable 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

Find agents in Gaithersburg

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Gaithersburg.

View agents

MD

Find agents in Severn

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Severn.

View agents

Decided between Gaithersburg and Severn? See how buying a home works on smover.

Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gaithersburg or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median sold price of $510K, compared to $520K in Gaithersburg (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). 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.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.

Stay ahead of the market

Join buyers, sellers, and agents across Northern Virginia getting weekly market updates, new listings, and tips. Free, every Monday.

Trusted in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and 19 more cities

Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your inbox.

Take ownership of your move.

For buyers under contract: your agent confirms the milestones. smover keeps selected documents, confirmed dates, and factual updates in one shared view.

Gaithersburg vs Severn: $520K vs $510K (2026) | smover