Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $355K), a difference of about $325K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Alexandria
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$680K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
18 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Alexandria schools | See Richmond schools
Alexandria
VA
Richmond
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
67%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 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), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Alexandria
VA
Richmond
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~10 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-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 50 in Richmond. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
28
Bike Score
64
52
Safety
Alexandria is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 15% above Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% 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
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, 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. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Richmond?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Richmond has no direct Metro access.
How do Alexandria and Richmond compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.