Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $480K), a difference of about $480K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 16 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$480K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
12 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Vienna schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
76%
92%
Top Schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Gaithersburg
MD
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
Red
Orange
Major Highways
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Gaithersburg. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
30
Bike Score
45
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Vienna more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Gaithersburg or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
Is Gaithersburg or Vienna better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.