Hampton vs Montgomery County: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026)

Hampton vs Montgomery County: Which is right for your family?

Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Montgomery County is Maryland's wealthiest and most populous county, home to Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Silver Spring. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Montgomery County is pricier ($516K median vs $255K), a difference of about $261K. Hampton moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 44 in Montgomery County. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.

Hampton

Montgomery County

Median Price

$255K

$516K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

44 days

Price Range

$80K–$650K

$250K–$5M+

Top Neighborhoods

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Silver Spring

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Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hampton or Montgomery County more affordable?

Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $516K in Montgomery County. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K. Montgomery County prices range from $250K–$5M+.

Is Hampton or Montgomery County better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Montgomery County is Maryland's wealthiest and most populous county, home to Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Silver Spring. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.

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.