Market Overview
Annapolis's median sold price is $620K with homes averaging 36 days on market; Columbia is at $485K and 24 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Annapolis is pricier ($620K median vs $485K), a difference of about $135K. Columbia moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 36 in Annapolis. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Annapolis
MD
Columbia
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$620K
$485K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
36 days
24 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$200K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Columbia has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Columbia, Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. See Annapolis schools | See Columbia schools
Annapolis
MD
Columbia
MD
Avg Pass Rate
80%
87%
Public schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Wilde Lake High School, Atholton High School, Hammond High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Columbia is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Columbia (I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175).
Annapolis
MD
Columbia
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175, Rt 32
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$5,797/yr in property tax. In Columbia, a $485K home costs ~$4,918/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Columbia
MD
Rate per $100
$0.935
$1.014
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,797/yr
$4,918/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Howard County rate
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Columbia. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Columbia (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Wilde Lake score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Columbia
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
18
Bike Score
52
42
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Annapolis and Columbia. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Annapolis
MD
Columbia
MD
Reported Violent Crime
2.2/1K
1/1K
Reported Property Crime
20.5/1K
12.8/1K
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Columbia more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median sold price of $485K, compared to $620K in Annapolis (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Columbia prices range from $200K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Columbia?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Columbia has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Columbia, Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Columbia?
Columbia has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Columbia has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Columbia?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$5,797/yr on a $620K home). Columbia's rate is $1.014 per $100 (~$4,918/yr on a $485K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Annapolis and Columbia compare?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Columbia is a master-planned community in Howard County, known for its village system, lakefront areas, extensive trails, and central Maryland location. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 September 2026.