Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $510K), a difference of about $240K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Arlington
VA
Median Price
$510K
$750K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
10 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$350K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Arlington, families look to Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. See Annapolis schools | See Arlington schools
Annapolis
MD
Arlington
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
80%
89%
Top Schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50).
Annapolis
MD
Arlington
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~15 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Arlington, a $750K home costs ~$7,597/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Arlington
VA
Rate per $100
$0.935
$1.013
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$7,597/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 45 in Annapolis. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Arlington (57). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Ballston score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Arlington
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
57
Bike Score
52
72
Safety
Arlington is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Annapolis is rated "Below Average" (34% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Annapolis
MD
Arlington
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
1.4/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
15.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
Near Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Arlington more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Annapolis or Arlington?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Arlington, standout schools include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Arlington?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn).
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Arlington?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Arlington's rate is $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Annapolis or Arlington better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
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 March 2026.