City Comparison

Gaithersburg vs Warrenton: Which is right for your family?

Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Warrenton is pricier ($500K median vs $480K), a difference of about $20K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.

Gaithersburg

MD

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$480K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

28 days

Price Range

$175K–$1.2M

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Warrenton leads on school quality with a 78% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Warrenton, families look to Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Warrenton schools

Gaithersburg

MD

Warrenton

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

76%

78%

Top Schools

Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

76%
78%

Commute

Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Gaithersburg

MD

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~35 min

~60 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 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

None

Walkability

Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Warrenton. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

Gaithersburg

MD

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

45

28

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gaithersburg or Warrenton more affordable?

Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $500K in Warrenton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Warrenton?

Warrenton has stronger schools overall, with a 78% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Warrenton, standout schools include Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Gaithersburg or Warrenton?

Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

Is Gaithersburg or Warrenton better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.