Real Estate Investing in Gaithersburg, Maryland (20879)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 20879 (Gaithersburg, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Gaithersburg, MD (20879)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 20879 Gaithersburg
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Gaithersburg's 20879 ZIP reflects signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $443K pricing implies.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 20879 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Within MD, ZIP 20879 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Montgomery County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and substantial enough to shape underwriting.
Who lives in 20879 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Strategy in 20879 is an operator game, not a passive one. Meanwhile, entry prices of $443K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Gaithersburg:
Property Strategy for 20879
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $202,365 | $1,940 | 6.9% | +6.3% | $202,365 |
| 2BR | $253,016 | $2,160 | 6.1% | +5.8% | $126,508 |
| 3BR | $439,606 | $2,730 | 4.5% | +5.2% | $146,535 |
| 4BR | $588,228 | $3,200 | 3.9% | +5.4% | $147,057 |
| 5BR | $745,038 | — | — | +5.3% | $149,008 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 20879 Compare?
| Metric | 20879 | Gaithersburg | Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $442,818 | $482,981 | $424,997 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.6% | 2.6% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,928 | $2,083 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% | 2.8% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 20879 (Gaithersburg, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Montgomery County
Manage rentals here? List your business →American Community Management provides community association management and HOA services across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. summary from their website
Iko Community Management provides HOA and community association management services in Columbia, MD and Suburban Maryland. summary from their website
Melan Property Management delivers proactive property management solutions for multifamily and commercial real estate across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Miami. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $442,818 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,928 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.2% |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -0.1% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +11.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.4%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 20879
Population: 26,120
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 20879
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Gaithersburg Elementary
Rosemont Elementary
South Lake Elementary
Summit Hall Elementary
Washington Grove Elementary
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 3,271 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do rentals get leased in Gaithersburg, MD?
Gaithersburg, MD carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect measured absorption at market rents of $1,928/mo.
Is Gaithersburg, MD a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Investors tracking Gaithersburg, MD will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $443K median home values and $1,928/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting reliable returns.
Is the tenant base reliable in Gaithersburg, MD?
The renter base in Gaithersburg, MD is reasonable for the $1,928/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields steady tenants.
How landlord-friendly is Gaithersburg, MD?
The landlord environment in Gaithersburg, MD is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Gaithersburg, MD?
Typical homes in Gaithersburg, MD go for around $443K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% reliable price movement.
You know 20879 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 20879 ranks in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
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