Market Overview
Alexandria's median sold price is $675K with homes averaging 32 days on market; Stafford is at $545K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Alexandria is pricier ($675K median vs $545K), a difference of about $130K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 32 days on market compared to 37 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Alexandria
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$675K
$545K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
32 days
37 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$108K–$1.3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Alexandria schools | See Stafford schools
Alexandria
VA
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
77%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~55 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), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Alexandria
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~55 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 610
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $675K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,493/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $545K home costs ~$5,717/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,493/yr
$5,717/yr
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
8
Bike Score
64
18
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Alexandria and Stafford. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Alexandria
VA
Stafford
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.9/1K
Reported Property Crime
17.8/1K
10.8/1K
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median sold price of $545K, compared to $675K in Alexandria (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Stafford?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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 Stafford?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Stafford?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,493/yr on a $675K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,717/yr on a $545K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Alexandria and Stafford compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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 September 2026.