Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $510K), a difference of about $110K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Ashburn
VA
Median Price
$510K
$620K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
16 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$350K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Schools
Ashburn 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 Ashburn, families look to Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. See Annapolis schools | See Ashburn schools
Annapolis
MD
Ashburn
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
80%
89%
Top Schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Ashburn is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway).
Annapolis
MD
Ashburn
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Ashburn, a $620K home costs ~$5,394/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Ashburn
VA
Rate per $100
$0.935
$0.870
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$5,394/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Loudoun County rate
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Ashburn (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Broadlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Ashburn
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
22
Bike Score
52
35
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below 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
Ashburn
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
6.9/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
57% below Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Annapolis
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Annapolis.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Ashburn
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Ashburn.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Ashburn more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $620K in Ashburn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Annapolis or Ashburn?
Ashburn 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 Ashburn, standout schools include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Ashburn?
Ashburn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn).
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Ashburn?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Ashburn's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Annapolis or Ashburn better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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.