Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $440K), a difference of about $520K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 15 in Germantown. Germantown offers a lower entry point at $175K–$850K.
Germantown
MD
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$440K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
15 days
12 days
Price Range
$175K–$850K
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Germantown has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Germantown schools | See Vienna schools
Germantown
MD
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
92%
Public schools
Northwest High School, Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Germantown (I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Germantown
MD
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Germantown. Transit scores: Germantown (22) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Churchill Village and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Germantown
MD
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
30
Bike Score
32
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
12.5/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
20% below Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Germantown or Vienna more affordable?
Germantown is more affordable with a median home price of $440K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Germantown prices range from $175K–$850K. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Germantown and Vienna?
Germantown public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau 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 Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Germantown has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
How do Germantown and Vienna compare?
Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, offering affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods along the I-270 corridor. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.
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 June 2026.