Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $560K), a difference of about $143K. Springfield moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 17 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Rockville
MD
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$560K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
17 days
16 days
Price Range
$200K–$1.8M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Rockville leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 82% in Springfield. Top schools in Rockville include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. In Springfield, families look to West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Rockville schools | See Springfield schools
Rockville
MD
Springfield
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
85%
82%
Top Schools
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Rockville
MD
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
Red
Blue
Major Highways
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $560K home in Rockville, you would pay ~$5,533/yr in property tax. In Springfield, a $703K home costs ~$7,803/yr. Rockville has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Rockville
MD
Springfield
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,533/yr
$7,803/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Rockville (42) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Rockville Town Center and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Rockville
MD
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
42
28
Bike Score
55
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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.
Rockville
MD
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.1/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
14.2/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
9% below Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rockville or Springfield more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
Which has better schools, Rockville or Springfield?
Rockville has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 82% in Springfield. Top schools in Rockville include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. In Springfield, standout schools include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Rockville or Springfield?
Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville). Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
What are property taxes in Rockville vs Springfield?
Rockville has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Springfield's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,803/yr on a $703K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Rockville or Springfield better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.