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
Rockville leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Hampton schools | See Rockville schools
Hampton
VA
Rockville
MD
Quality Tier
Average
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
65%
85%
Top 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
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
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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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.
Which has better schools, Hampton or Rockville?
Rockville has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. In Rockville, standout schools include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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).
Is Hampton or Rockville 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. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. 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 March 2026.