City Comparison

Annapolis vs Severn: Which is right for your family?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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 $430K), a difference of about $80K. Severn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Annapolis

MD

Severn

MD

Median Price

$510K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

16 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$200K–$750K

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Annapolis leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 77% in Severn. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Severn, families look to Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Annapolis schools | See Severn schools

Annapolis

MD

Severn

MD

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

80%

77%

Top Schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

80%
77%

Commute

Severn is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Annapolis

MD

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~40 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97

I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

None

None

MD

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median home price of $430K, 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+. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

Which has better schools, Annapolis or Severn?

Annapolis has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 77% in Severn. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Severn, standout schools include Meade High School and Old Mill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Severn?

Severn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.

Is Annapolis or Severn better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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.