Lakelands and Montgomery Village represent two ends of the Gaithersburg housing spectrum. Lakelands is newer, pricier, and shares the Kentlands school cluster. Montgomery Village is older, more affordable, and has its own self-contained community with lakes, pools, and a golf course. Both are family-friendly — the question is budget and priorities.
Pro100Movers handles moves throughout Gaithersburg — including both communities. We’re based five minutes away in Germantown. Call 800-397-7885 for a free estimate.
Lakelands
Built in the early 2000s adjacent to Kentlands, Lakelands is a newer planned community with modern townhomes, single-family homes, and a handful of condos. The neighborhood shares Kentlands’ school cluster (Rachel Carson ES, Lakelands Park MS, Northwest HS) and is within walking distance of the Kentlands Village Center.
Housing: Townhomes $400K–$580K. Single-family $600K–$850K.
HOA: $80–$150/month. Covers common areas, community pool, and maintenance.
Pros: Newer construction, good schools, proximity to Kentlands, community pool, clean sidewalks.
Cons: Higher prices, smaller lots, less personality than Kentlands.
Montgomery Village
One of the largest planned communities in Maryland, built from the 1960s through the 1990s. Montgomery Village is essentially a self-contained suburb within Gaithersburg — complete with its own lake (Whetstone), community center, swim clubs, tennis courts, and even a golf course. The housing stock is older but significantly more affordable than anywhere else in Gaithersburg.
Housing: Townhomes $280K–$400K. Condos $150K–$250K. Single-family $400K–$550K.
HOA: $50–$100/month (Montgomery Village Foundation). Covers extensive community amenities.
Pros: Most affordable, extensive amenities, self-contained community, lake access.
Cons: Older construction, some dated interiors, multiple school clusters (varies by section).
Detailed Comparison
| Factor | Lakelands | Montgomery Village |
|---|---|---|
| Built | 2000s | 1960s–1990s |
| Townhome price | $400K–$580K | $280K–$400K |
| Condo price | $280K–$380K | $150K–$250K |
| HOA monthly | $80–$150 | $50–$100 |
| Community pool | 1 | Multiple swim clubs |
| Lake | No | Yes (Whetstone) |
| Golf course | No | Yes (South Village) |
| Schools | Rachel Carson ES / NW HS | Varies by section |
| Construction quality | Newer, modern | Older, varies |
| Walk to Kentlands | Yes (10 min) | No (15 min drive) |
| Move cost (3-bed TH) | $650–$1,100 | $550–$950 |
Schools
Lakelands: Consistent — Rachel Carson Elementary, Lakelands Park Middle School, Northwest High School. All well-rated. This is one of Lakelands’ strongest selling points.
Montgomery Village: Multiple elementary and middle schools depending on which section you live in. Some sections feed into Gaithersburg HS, others into Watkins Mill HS. School quality varies by cluster — research your specific address before buying.
For First-Time Buyers
Montgomery Village is one of the most accessible entry points into homeownership in all of Montgomery County. Condos starting at $150K and townhomes under $300K — with community amenities that rival neighborhoods twice the price. The tradeoff is older construction and less proximity to Kentlands dining.
Lakelands is a step up — modern construction, better school certainty, and Kentlands walkability. But the price premium ($100K–$200K more for a comparable home) is significant for a first-time buyer.
For Families
Both work well. Lakelands wins on school consistency and newer playgrounds. Montgomery Village wins on amenities (lake, golf, multiple pools) and lower cost — more house for the money means the kids get their own rooms sooner.
Moving Considerations
Lakelands
Similar to Kentlands — townhomes with 3 levels, some HOA restrictions on moving hours and truck parking. Newer construction means wider entryways than older communities. Move cost: $650–$1,100 for a 3-bedroom.
Montgomery Village
Winding internal roads can complicate truck access — some streets dead-end or have tight curves. Older townhomes have narrower staircases than Lakelands. The community is large — confirm your exact section’s address with the movers to avoid confusion. Move cost: $550–$950 for a 3-bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montgomery Village safe?
Yes. Crime rates are consistent with the Gaithersburg average. The community has its own security patrol and active community watch programs. Some sections are quieter than others — visit at different times of day before deciding.
Can I walk to Kentlands from Lakelands?
Yes. Lakelands is directly adjacent to Kentlands — the Kentlands Village Center (restaurants, farmers market, shops) is about a 10-minute walk from most Lakelands homes.
Moving to Lakelands or Montgomery Village?
Our Gaithersburg movers serve both communities regularly. We know the Lakelands HOA rules and the Montgomery Village internal road layouts. Residential moves in Gaithersburg are what we do every day.
Call 800-397-7885 for a free estimate. Pro100Movers — your Germantown neighbors since 2010.
Helpful Tips for Moving Families
| Task | Tip | When to Do it |
|---|---|---|
| Use original packaging | Best fit and shock absorption | 1–2 weeks before move |
| Wrap with anti-static material | Prevents static and overheating | During packing |
| Label all electronics boxes | Use “Fragile” and “This Side Up” labels | During packing |
| Use climate-controlled transport | Protects from heat during transit | Moving day |
| Allow devices to cool before plugging in | Prevents condensation damage | After unloading |
