Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $225K), a difference of about $455K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Alexandria
VA
Baltimore
MD
Median Price
$680K
$225K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
30 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$50K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Schools
Alexandria leads on school quality with a 78% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Baltimore, families look to Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. See Alexandria schools | See Baltimore schools
Alexandria
VA
Baltimore
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Average
Avg Pass Rate
78%
55%
Top Schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83).
Alexandria
VA
Baltimore
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~65 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
Property Tax
On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Baltimore, a $225K home costs ~$5,058/yr. Alexandria has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Baltimore
MD
Rate per $100
$1.110
$2.248
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$5,058/yr
Notes
None
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 57 in Alexandria. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Baltimore (52). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Canton score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Baltimore
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
52
Bike Score
64
58
Safety
Alexandria is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 15% above Virginia average. Baltimore is rated "Below Average" (135% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Alexandria
VA
Baltimore
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
11.2/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
28.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
135% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Baltimore more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $680K in Alexandria. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Baltimore?
Alexandria has stronger schools overall, with a 78% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Baltimore, standout schools include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Baltimore?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Baltimore has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Baltimore?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Baltimore's rate is $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Alexandria or Baltimore better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. 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.