Rockville 83 Exceptional
Rockville Livability #26 ranked city in Maryland#941 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Rockville

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Crime Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

What's it like Living in Rockville?

Rockville, Maryland is a mid-sized city with a population of 70,839 people. Rockville has a population density of 5,215 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. An important consideration when living in Rockville is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 32 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Rockville could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Maryland if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Rockville and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Maryland and national averages.

The livability score in Rockville is 83/100 and the city is ranked in the 97th percentile of all cities across America. This is a terrific score, as Rockville ranks well in multiple categories! Rockville also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the scores for each individual category, Rockville has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (A), crime (A-), education (B) and housing (A-). Rockville does not rank well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Rockville, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Rockville undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Civic Center Park, Montgomery County Historical Society, and Sportrock.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 150 crimes per 100,000 residents, Rockville has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Rockville excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Rockville is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Rockville come in at $978,569, which is 89.1% higher than the Maryland average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rockville, the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 26.1% higher than the Maryland average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Rockville

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      Rockville transportation information

      Statistic Rockville Maryland National
      Average one way commute32min32min26min
      Workers who drive to work57.1%73.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.2%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit17.3%8.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.8%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home13.8%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Rockville, MD data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.