City Comparison

Alexandria vs Severn: How they compare

Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Alexandria's median sold price is $675K with homes averaging 31 days on market; Severn is at $510K and 35 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Alexandria is pricier ($675K median vs $510K), a difference of about $165K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 31 days on market compared to 35 in Severn. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Alexandria

VA

Severn

MD

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$675K

$510K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

31 days

35 days

Price Range

$300K–$2M

$200K–$750K

Notable Neighborhoods

Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Alexandria schools | See Severn schools

Alexandria

VA

Severn

MD

Avg Pass Rate

78%

77%

Public schools

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

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

78%
77%

Commute

Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 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), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Alexandria

VA

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~20 min

~40 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-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alexandria or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median sold price of $510K, compared to $675K in Alexandria (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

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

Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill 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 Severn?

Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Severn has no direct Metro access.

How do Alexandria and Severn compare?

Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.

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Alexandria vs Severn: Median $675K vs $510K (2026) | smover