City Comparison

Annapolis vs Richmond: How they compare

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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 $355K), a difference of about $155K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.

Annapolis

MD

Richmond

VA

Median Price

$510K

$355K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

18 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$125K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition

Schools

Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Annapolis schools | See Richmond schools

Annapolis

MD

Richmond

VA

Avg Pass Rate

80%

67%

Public schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School

Pass Rate

80%
67%

Commute

Richmond 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), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).

Annapolis

MD

Richmond

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-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301

Commuter Rail

None

None

Walkability

Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 45 in Annapolis. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.

Annapolis

MD

Richmond

VA

Walk Score

45Car-Dependent
50Somewhat Walkable

Transit Score

18

28

Bike Score

52

52

Safety

Richmond is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 83% 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

Richmond

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Below Average

Violent Crime

2.2/1K

5.8/1K

Property Crime

20.5/1K

25.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

34% above Virginia average

83% above Virginia average

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Richmond more affordable?

Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, 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+. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.

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

Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open 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 Richmond?

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

How do Annapolis and Richmond compare?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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 Richmond: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover