City Comparison

Manassas vs Rockville: Which is right for your family?

Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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

Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $560K), a difference of about $8K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.

Manassas

VA

Rockville

MD

Median Price

$568K

$560K

Avg Days on Market

22 days

17 days

Price Range

$60K–$1.9M

$200K–$1.8M

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove

Schools

Rockville leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Manassas schools | See Rockville schools

Manassas

VA

Rockville

MD

Quality Tier

Strong

Excellent

Avg Pass Rate

72%

85%

Top Schools

Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary

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

Pass Rate

72%
85%

Commute

Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).

Manassas

VA

Rockville

MD

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~30 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)

Metro Lines

N/A

Red

Major Highways

I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234

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

Commuter Rail

VRE (Manassas line)

MARC (Brunswick Line)

Property Tax

On a $568K home in Manassas, you would pay ~$6,839/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/yr. Rockville has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.

Manassas

VA

Rockville

MD

Rate per $100

$1.204

$0.988

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$6,839/yr

$5,533/yr

Notes

None

Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328

Walkability

Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Manassas (15) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town Manassas and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.

Manassas

VA

Rockville

MD

Walk Score

38Car-Dependent
52Somewhat Walkable

Transit Score

15

42

Bike Score

35

55

Safety

Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% below Virginia average. Manassas is rated "Average" (7% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Manassas

VA

Rockville

MD

Safety Rating

Average
Average

Violent Crime

1.8/1K

1.1/1K

Property Crime

16.2/1K

14.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

7% above Virginia average

9% below Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manassas or Rockville more affordable?

Rockville is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $568K in Manassas. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.

Which has better schools, Manassas or Rockville?

Rockville has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle 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, Manassas or Rockville?

Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Manassas has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).

What are property taxes in Manassas vs Rockville?

Manassas has a property tax rate of $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Manassas or Rockville better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.