City Comparison

Gaithersburg vs Woodbridge: Which is right for your family?

Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Woodbridge is pricier ($507K median vs $480K), a difference of about $27K. Gaithersburg moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.

Gaithersburg

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Median Price

$480K

$507K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

22 days

Price Range

$175K–$1.2M

$145K–$2.9M

Top Neighborhoods

Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square

Dale City, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Potomac Mills

Schools

Gaithersburg leads on school quality with a 76% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Woodbridge, families look to Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Woodbridge schools

Gaithersburg

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

76%

73%

Top Schools

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

Woodbridge High School, Gar-Field High School, Rippon Middle School

Pass Rate

76%
73%

Commute

Gaithersburg is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Woodbridge (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 123).

Gaithersburg

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Drive to Downtown

~35 min

~40 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 123

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

Walkability

Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Woodbridge (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Dale City score much higher than suburban areas.

Gaithersburg

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
22Almost All Errands Require a Car

Transit Score

32

12

Bike Score

45

20

Safety

Woodbridge is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 11% 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

Woodbridge

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Safe

Violent Crime

1.3/1K

1.3/1K

Property Crime

15.1/1K

13.8/1K

vs Virginia Avg

Near Virginia average

11% below Virginia average

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gaithersburg or Woodbridge more affordable?

Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $507K in Woodbridge. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Woodbridge prices range from $145K–$2.9M.

Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Woodbridge?

Gaithersburg has stronger schools overall, with a 76% average pass rate compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Woodbridge, standout schools include Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Gaithersburg or Woodbridge?

Gaithersburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Woodbridge has no direct Metro access.

Is Gaithersburg or Woodbridge better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. 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.