City Comparison

Annapolis vs Leesburg: How they compare

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $510K), a difference of about $360K. Leesburg moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.

Annapolis

MD

Leesburg

VA

Median Price

$510K

$870K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

22 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$150K–$5.8M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road

Schools

Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Leesburg has 88% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Leesburg, Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Annapolis schools | See Leesburg schools

Annapolis

MD

Leesburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

80%

88%

Public schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School

Pass Rate

80%
88%

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), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).

Annapolis

MD

Leesburg

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

Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway

Commuter Rail

None

None

Property Tax

On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Leesburg, a $870K home costs ~$7,569/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.

Annapolis

MD

Leesburg

VA

Rate per $100

$0.935

$0.870

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$4,769/yr

$7,569/yr

Notes

Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738

Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165

Walkability

Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Leesburg. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Leesburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Lansdowne score much higher than suburban areas.

Annapolis

MD

Leesburg

VA

Walk Score

45Car-Dependent
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

18

10

Bike Score

52

42

Safety

Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% 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

Leesburg

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

2.2/1K

0.5/1K

Property Crime

20.5/1K

7.8/1K

vs Virginia Avg

34% above Virginia average

51% below Virginia average

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Leesburg more affordable?

Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.

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

Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Leesburg has 88% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Leesburg, Tuscarora High School and Heritage 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 Leesburg?

Annapolis has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Leesburg has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Leesburg?

Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Leesburg's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Annapolis and Leesburg compare?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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 Leesburg: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover