Market Overview
Germantown is pricier ($440K median vs $280K), a difference of about $160K. Germantown moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Germantown
MD
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$440K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
15 days
24 days
Price Range
$175K–$850K
$100K–$1M
Notable Neighborhoods
Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Germantown has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. See Germantown schools | See Norfolk schools
Germantown
MD
Norfolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
65%
Public schools
Northwest High School, Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Germantown (I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Germantown
MD
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Germantown. Transit scores: Germantown (22) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Churchill Village and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Germantown
MD
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
22
Bike Score
32
48
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Germantown and Norfolk. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Germantown
MD
Norfolk
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1/1K
4.2/1K
Reported Property Crime
12.5/1K
24.8/1K
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Germantown or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $440K in Germantown. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Germantown prices range from $175K–$850K. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Germantown and Norfolk?
Germantown public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Germantown or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Germantown has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Germantown and Norfolk compare?
Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, with a range of home prices, retail, parks, and access to the I-270 corridor. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records 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 September 2026.