City Comparison

Hampton vs Rockville: How they compare

Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Rockville is pricier ($560K median vs $255K), a difference of about $305K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.

Hampton

VA

Rockville

MD

Median Price

$255K

$560K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

17 days

Price Range

$80K–$650K

$200K–$1.8M

Top Neighborhoods

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove

Schools

Hampton has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Hampton schools | See Rockville schools

Hampton

VA

Rockville

MD

Avg Pass Rate

65%

85%

Public schools

Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School

Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School

Pass Rate

65%
85%

Commute

Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).

Hampton

VA

Rockville

MD

Drive to Downtown

~25 min

~30 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)

Metro Lines

N/A

Red

Major Highways

I-64, I-664, Rt 258

I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28

Commuter Rail

None

MARC (Brunswick Line)

Safety

Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% below Virginia average. Hampton is rated "Below Average" (42% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Hampton

VA

Rockville

MD

Safety Rating

Below Average
Average

Violent Crime

3.8/1K

1.1/1K

Property Crime

20.2/1K

14.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

42% above Virginia average

9% below Virginia average

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hampton or Rockville more affordable?

Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $560K in Rockville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Hampton and Rockville?

Hampton public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Hampton or Rockville?

Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Hampton has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).

How do Hampton and Rockville compare?

Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. 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.

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Hampton vs Rockville: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover