City Comparison

Alexandria vs Williamsburg: How they compare

Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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 $370K), a difference of about $310K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.

Alexandria

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Median Price

$680K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

12 days

28 days

Price Range

$300K–$2M

$150K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard

Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony

Schools

Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Alexandria schools | See Williamsburg schools

Alexandria

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

78%

84%

Public schools

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

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

78%
84%

Commute

Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~25 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), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Alexandria

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~20 min

~25 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-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

Walkability

Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 35 in Williamsburg. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.

Alexandria

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Walk Score

57Somewhat Walkable
35Car-Dependent

Transit Score

44

10

Bike Score

64

42

Safety

Williamsburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Alexandria is rated "Average" (15% 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

Williamsburg

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Average

Violent Crime

1.7/1K

1.2/1K

Property Crime

17.8/1K

15.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

15% above Virginia average

Near Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alexandria or Williamsburg more affordable?

Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

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

Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill 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 Williamsburg?

Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.

How do Alexandria and Williamsburg compare?

Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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 July 2026.

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