Market Overview
Germantown's median sold price is $430K with homes averaging 33 days on market; Herndon is at $700K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Herndon is pricier ($700K median vs $430K), a difference of about $270K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 33 in Germantown. Germantown offers a lower entry point at $175K–$850K.
Germantown
MD
Herndon
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$430K
$700K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
33 days
26 days
Price Range
$175K–$850K
$175K–$2.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Germantown has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Germantown schools | See Herndon schools
Germantown
MD
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
80%
Public schools
Northwest High School, Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Germantown (I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Germantown
MD
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Germantown. Transit scores: Germantown (22) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Churchill Village and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Germantown
MD
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
28
Bike Score
32
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Germantown is rated "Safe" (20% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Germantown
MD
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
12.5/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
20% below Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Germantown
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Germantown.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Herndon
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Herndon.
View agentsDecided between Germantown and Herndon? See how buying a home works on smover.
Related Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Germantown or Herndon more affordable?
Germantown is more affordable with a median sold price of $430K, compared to $700K in Herndon (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Germantown prices range from $175K–$850K. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Germantown and Herndon?
Germantown public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Germantown or Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Germantown has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
How do Germantown and Herndon compare?
Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, offering affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods along the I-270 corridor. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 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 July 2026.