City Comparison

Annapolis vs Manassas: Which is right for your family?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $510K), a difference of about $58K. Manassas 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

Manassas

VA

Median Price

$510K

$568K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

22 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$60K–$1.9M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

Schools

Annapolis leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Annapolis schools | See Manassas schools

Annapolis

MD

Manassas

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

80%

72%

Top Schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary

Pass Rate

80%
72%

Commute

Manassas is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).

Annapolis

MD

Manassas

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~45 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 28, Rt 234

Commuter Rail

None

VRE (Manassas line)

Property Tax

On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $568K home costs ~$6,839/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.

Annapolis

MD

Manassas

VA

Rate per $100

$0.935

$1.204

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$4,769/yr

$6,839/yr

Notes

Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738

None

Walkability

Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.

Annapolis

MD

Manassas

VA

Walk Score

45Car-Dependent
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

18

15

Bike Score

52

35

Safety

Manassas is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 7% 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

Manassas

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Average

Violent Crime

2.2/1K

1.8/1K

Property Crime

20.5/1K

16.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

34% above Virginia average

7% above Virginia average

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Manassas more affordable?

Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $568K in Manassas. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.

Which has better schools, Annapolis or Manassas?

Annapolis has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Manassas?

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

What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Manassas?

Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Annapolis or Manassas better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.