Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $560K), a difference of about $10K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 17 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Reston
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$570K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
17 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.5M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Rockville leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 83% in Reston. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Reston schools | See Rockville schools
Reston
VA
Rockville
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
83%
85%
Top Schools
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Reston
VA
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
Silver
Red
Major Highways
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Property Tax
On a $570K home in Reston, you would pay ~$6,327/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.
Reston
VA
Rockville
MD
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,327/yr
$5,533/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 45 in Reston. Transit scores: Reston (35) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lake Anne and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Reston
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
35
42
Bike Score
52
55
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% below Virginia average. Rockville is rated "Average" (9% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Reston
VA
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
11.5/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
27% below Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reston or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Reston or Rockville?
Rockville has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 83% in Reston. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes 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, Reston or Rockville?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center). Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
What are property taxes in Reston vs Rockville?
Reston has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K 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 Reston or Rockville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.