Market Overview
Rockville is pricier ($560K median vs $355K), a difference of about $205K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Richmond
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$355K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
18 days
17 days
Price Range
$125K–$1.5M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Richmond has a 67% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Richmond schools | See Rockville schools
Richmond
VA
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
67%
85%
Public schools
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Richmond
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-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
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 50 in Richmond. Transit scores: Richmond (28) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like The Fan and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Richmond
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
42
Bike Score
52
55
Safety
Rockville is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 9% below Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Richmond
VA
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
5.8/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
25.2/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
83% above Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond or Rockville more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, compared to $560K in Rockville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Richmond and Rockville?
Richmond public schools have a 67% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open 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, Richmond or Rockville?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Richmond has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
How do Richmond and Rockville compare?
Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.