City Comparison

Alexandria vs Fredericksburg: How they compare

Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $477K), a difference of about $203K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.

Alexandria

VA

Fredericksburg

VA

Median Price

$680K

$477K

Avg Days on Market

12 days

29 days

Price Range

$300K–$2M

$151K–$3.8M

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard

Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead

Schools

Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. See Alexandria schools | See Fredericksburg schools

Alexandria

VA

Fredericksburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

78%

73%

Public schools

T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy

James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School

Pass Rate

78%
73%

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), Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).

Alexandria

VA

Fredericksburg

VA

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, Rt 1, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

Property Tax

On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Fredericksburg, a $477K home costs ~$4,055/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.

Alexandria

VA

Fredericksburg

VA

Rate per $100

$1.110

$0.850

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,548/yr

$4,055/yr

Walkability

Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Fredericksburg. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Fredericksburg (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Downtown score much higher than suburban areas.

Alexandria

VA

Fredericksburg

VA

Walk Score

57Somewhat Walkable
42Car-Dependent

Transit Score

44

12

Bike Score

64

38

Safety

Alexandria is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 15% above Virginia average. Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" (47% 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

Fredericksburg

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Below Average

Violent Crime

1.7/1K

2.8/1K

Property Crime

17.8/1K

22.1/1K

vs Virginia Avg

15% above Virginia average

47% above Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alexandria or Fredericksburg more affordable?

Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, 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. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Fredericksburg?

Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Fredericksburg?

Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Fredericksburg?

Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Fredericksburg's rate is $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Alexandria and Fredericksburg compare?

Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

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 June 2026.

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Alexandria vs Fredericksburg: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover