Market Overview
Annapolis is pricier ($510K median vs $400K), a difference of about $110K. Charlottesville moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Annapolis
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Median Price
$510K
$400K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
22 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$175K–$2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Schools
Charlottesville leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Charlottesville, families look to Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. See Annapolis schools | See Charlottesville schools
Annapolis
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
80%
Top Schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250).
Annapolis
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 45 in Annapolis. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Charlottesville (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Downtown Mall score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
18
Bike Score
52
58
Safety
Charlottesville is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 32% above 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
Charlottesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
2.5/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
19.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
32% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Charlottesville more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $510K in Annapolis. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M.
Which has better schools, Annapolis or Charlottesville?
Charlottesville has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Charlottesville, standout schools include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Charlottesville?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access.
Is Annapolis or Charlottesville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Charlottesville is a college town centered around the University of Virginia, with a walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia wine country. 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.