Market Overview
Germantown's median sold price is $430K with homes averaging 33 days on market; Richmond is at $389K and 30 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Germantown is pricier ($430K median vs $389K), a difference of about $41K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 30 days on market compared to 33 in Germantown. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Germantown
MD
Richmond
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$430K
$389K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
33 days
30 days
Price Range
$175K–$850K
$125K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Germantown has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Germantown schools | See Richmond schools
Germantown
MD
Richmond
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
67%
Public schools
Northwest High School, Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond 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), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Germantown
MD
Richmond
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-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in Germantown. Transit scores: Germantown (22) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Churchill Village and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Germantown
MD
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
28
Bike Score
32
52
Safety
Germantown is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 20% below Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Germantown
MD
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
12.5/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
20% below Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Germantown
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Germantown.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Richmond
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Richmond.
View agentsDecided between Germantown and Richmond? See how buying a home works on smover.
Related Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Germantown or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median sold price of $389K, compared to $430K in Germantown (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. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Germantown and Richmond?
Germantown public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open 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 Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Germantown has no direct Metro access. Richmond has no direct Metro access.
How do Germantown and Richmond compare?
Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, offering affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods along the I-270 corridor. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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 August 2026.