Market Overview
Gaithersburg is pricier ($480K median vs $370K), a difference of about $110K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.
Gaithersburg
MD
Suffolk
VA
Median Price
$480K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
24 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$175K–$800K
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Suffolk schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Suffolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
76%
72%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Suffolk is closer to downtown at ~30 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), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).
Gaithersburg
MD
Suffolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 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
Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Suffolk more affordable?
Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Suffolk?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork 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 Suffolk?
Suffolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Suffolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Gaithersburg and Suffolk compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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.