City Comparison

Annapolis vs Harrisonburg: How they compare

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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 $300K), a difference of about $210K. Harrisonburg moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.

Annapolis

MD

Harrisonburg

VA

Median Price

$510K

$300K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

24 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$150K–$600K

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring

Schools

Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. See Annapolis schools | See Harrisonburg schools

Annapolis

MD

Harrisonburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

80%

74%

Public schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School

Pass Rate

80%
74%

Commute

Harrisonburg 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), Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11).

Annapolis

MD

Harrisonburg

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-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42

Commuter Rail

None

None

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Harrisonburg more affordable?

Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, 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+. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K.

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

Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison 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 Harrisonburg?

Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access.

How do Annapolis and Harrisonburg compare?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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 Harrisonburg: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover