City Comparison

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

Montgomery County is Maryland's wealthiest and most populous county, home to Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Silver Spring. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $516K), a difference of about $55K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 44 in Montgomery County. Montgomery County offers a lower entry point at $250K–$5M+.

Montgomery County

MD

Reston

VA

Median Price

$516K

$570K

Avg Days on Market

44 days

14 days

Price Range

$250K–$5M+

$250K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Silver Spring

Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montgomery County or Reston more affordable?

Montgomery County is more affordable with a median home price of $516K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Montgomery County prices range from $250K–$5M+. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.

Is Montgomery County or Reston better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Montgomery County is Maryland's wealthiest and most populous county, home to Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Silver Spring. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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 May 2026.

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