Market Overview
Annapolis is pricier ($510K median vs $420K), a difference of about $90K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Annapolis
MD
Frederick
MD
Median Price
$510K
$420K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
20 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$200K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Frederick has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Frederick, Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. See Annapolis schools | See Frederick schools
Annapolis
MD
Frederick
MD
Avg Pass Rate
80%
79%
Public schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Annapolis is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15).
Annapolis
MD
Frederick
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~60 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Frederick. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Frederick (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Downtown Frederick score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Frederick
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
12
Bike Score
52
45
Safety
Frederick is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 8% 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
Frederick
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
16.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
8% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Frederick more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, 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+. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Frederick?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Frederick has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Frederick, Urbana High School and Oakdale 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 Frederick?
Annapolis has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Frederick has no direct Metro access.
How do Annapolis and Frederick compare?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.