Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $510K), a difference of about $130K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$510K
$640K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
14 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$350K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Fairfax, families look to Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Annapolis schools | See Fairfax schools
Annapolis
MD
Fairfax
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
80%
87%
Top Schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Annapolis
MD
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Fairfax, a $640K home costs ~$7,104/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Fairfax
VA
Rate per $100
$0.935
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$7,104/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
28
Bike Score
52
42
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% 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
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Fairfax more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Annapolis or Fairfax?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Fairfax, standout schools include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Fairfax?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Fairfax?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Fairfax's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Annapolis or Fairfax better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.