Market Overview
Rockville is pricier ($560K median vs $280K), a difference of about $280K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Norfolk
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$280K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
24 days
17 days
Price Range
$100K–$1M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Norfolk has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Norfolk schools | See Rockville schools
Norfolk
VA
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
65%
85%
Public schools
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Norfolk
VA
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Norfolk. Transit scores: Norfolk (22) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ghent and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Norfolk
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
42
Bike Score
48
55
Safety
Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% below Virginia average. Norfolk is rated "Below Average" (72% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Norfolk
VA
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
4.2/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
24.8/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
72% above Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Norfolk
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Norfolk.
View agentsMD
Find agents in Rockville
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Rockville.
View agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Rockville more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $560K in Rockville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Norfolk and Rockville?
Norfolk public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby 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, Norfolk or Rockville?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Norfolk has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
How do Norfolk and Rockville compare?
Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. 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.