City Comparison

Rockville vs Warrenton: Which is right for your family?

Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Rockville is pricier ($560K median vs $500K), a difference of about $60K. Rockville moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Warrenton offers a lower entry point at $225K–$2M.

Rockville

MD

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$560K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

17 days

28 days

Price Range

$200K–$1.8M

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Rockville leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Rockville include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. In Warrenton, families look to Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Rockville schools | See Warrenton schools

Rockville

MD

Warrenton

VA

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

85%

78%

Top Schools

Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

85%
78%

Commute

Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Rockville

MD

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~30 min

~60 min

Metro Stations

3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)

No Metro access

Metro Lines

Red

N/A

Major Highways

I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28

Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

None

Walkability

Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 32 in Warrenton. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Rockville Town Center and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

Rockville

MD

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

52Somewhat Walkable
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

55

28

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rockville or Warrenton more affordable?

Warrenton is more affordable with a median home price of $500K, compared to $560K in Rockville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

Which has better schools, Rockville or Warrenton?

Rockville has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Rockville include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. In Warrenton, standout schools include Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Rockville or Warrenton?

Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville). Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

Is Rockville or Warrenton 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. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.