City Comparison

Germantown vs Williamsburg: How they compare

Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, offering affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods along the I-270 corridor. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Germantown's median sold price is $430K with homes averaging 33 days on market; Williamsburg is at $515K and 45 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Williamsburg is pricier ($515K median vs $430K), a difference of about $85K. Germantown moves faster, with homes averaging 33 days on market compared to 45 in Williamsburg. Germantown offers a lower entry point at $175K–$850K.

Germantown

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$430K

$515K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

33 days

45 days

Price Range

$175K–$850K

$150K–$1.5M

Notable Neighborhoods

Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley

Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony

Schools

Germantown has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Germantown schools | See Williamsburg schools

Germantown

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

78%

84%

Public schools

Northwest High School, Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

78%
84%

Commute

Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Germantown (I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Germantown

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~40 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355

I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

None

Walkability

Williamsburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Germantown. Transit scores: Germantown (22) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Churchill Village and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.

Germantown

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Walk Score

28Car-Dependent
35Car-Dependent

Transit Score

22

10

Bike Score

32

42

Safety

Germantown is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 20% below Virginia average. Williamsburg 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.

Germantown

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Safety Rating

Safe
Average

Violent Crime

1/1K

1.2/1K

Property Crime

12.5/1K

15.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

20% below Virginia average

Near Virginia average

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Germantown or Williamsburg more affordable?

Germantown is more affordable with a median sold price of $430K, compared to $515K in Williamsburg (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. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Germantown and Williamsburg?

Germantown public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill 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 Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Germantown has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.

How do Germantown and Williamsburg compare?

Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, offering affordable homes and diverse neighborhoods along the I-270 corridor. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.

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Germantown vs Williamsburg: $430K vs $515K (2026) | smover