Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $480K), a difference of about $223K. Both cities average 16 days on market. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$480K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
16 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Springfield leads on school quality with a 82% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Springfield, families look to West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Springfield schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Springfield
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
76%
82%
Top Schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Gaithersburg
MD
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
Red
Blue
Major Highways
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
28
Bike Score
45
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Springfield more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Springfield?
Springfield has stronger schools overall, with a 82% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Springfield, standout schools include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Gaithersburg or Springfield?
Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
Is Gaithersburg or Springfield better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.