City Comparison

Annapolis vs Charlottesville: How they compare

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. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

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

Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Charlottesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Charlottesville, Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. See Annapolis schools | See Charlottesville schools

Annapolis

MD

Charlottesville

VA

Avg Pass Rate

80%

80%

Public schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary

Pass Rate

80%
80%

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

45Car-Dependent
48Car-Dependent

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

Below Average
Below Average

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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VA

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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.

What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Charlottesville?

Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Charlottesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Charlottesville, Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

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.

How do Annapolis and Charlottesville compare?

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 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 June 2026.

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Annapolis vs Charlottesville: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover