Market Overview
Gainesville is pricier ($650K median vs $510K), a difference of about $140K. Gainesville moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Gainesville
VA
Median Price
$510K
$650K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
16 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$350K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. See Annapolis schools | See Gainesville schools
Annapolis
MD
Gainesville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
80%
Public schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Gainesville High School, Battlefield High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Annapolis is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Gainesville (I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55).
Annapolis
MD
Gainesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Gainesville. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Gainesville (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Heritage Hunt score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Gainesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
8
Bike Score
52
15
Safety
Gainesville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 46% 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
Gainesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
8.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
46% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Gainesville more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $650K in Gainesville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Gainesville prices range from $350K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Gainesville?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield 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 Gainesville?
Annapolis has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Gainesville has no direct Metro access.
How do Annapolis and Gainesville compare?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Gainesville is a booming community in western Prince William County along the I-66 corridor. 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.