Market Overview
Gaithersburg's median sold price is $515K with homes averaging 34 days on market; Stafford is at $545K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Stafford is pricier ($545K median vs $515K), a difference of about $30K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 34 days on market compared to 37 in Stafford. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Stafford
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$515K
$545K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
34 days
37 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$108K–$1.3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Stafford schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
76%
77%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Gaithersburg
MD
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~55 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, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
8
Bike Score
45
18
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Gaithersburg and Stafford. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Gaithersburg
MD
Stafford
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.3/1K
0.9/1K
Reported Property Crime
15.1/1K
10.8/1K
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Stafford more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $515K, compared to $545K in Stafford (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Stafford?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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 Stafford?
Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Stafford has no direct Metro access.
How do Gaithersburg and Stafford compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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 September 2026.