City Comparison

Annapolis vs Spotsylvania: Which is right for your family?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Spotsylvania is pricier ($520K median vs $510K), a difference of about $10K. Annapolis moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 35 in Spotsylvania. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.

Annapolis

MD

Spotsylvania

VA

Median Price

$510K

$520K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

35 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$130K–$3M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate

Schools

Annapolis leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Spotsylvania, families look to Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Annapolis schools | See Spotsylvania schools

Annapolis

MD

Spotsylvania

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

80%

74%

Top Schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School

Pass Rate

80%
74%

Commute

Annapolis is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).

Annapolis

MD

Spotsylvania

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~70 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, Rt 1, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

None

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

Property Tax

On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $520K home costs ~$4,472/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.

Annapolis

MD

Spotsylvania

VA

Rate per $100

$0.935

$0.860

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$4,769/yr

$4,472/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 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.

Annapolis

MD

Spotsylvania

VA

Walk Score

45Car-Dependent
14Almost All Errands Require a Car

Transit Score

18

6

Bike Score

52

15

Safety

Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% 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

Spotsylvania

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Safe

Violent Crime

2.2/1K

1.1/1K

Property Crime

20.5/1K

12.3/1K

vs Virginia Avg

34% above Virginia average

21% below Virginia average

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Spotsylvania more affordable?

Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $520K in Spotsylvania. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.

Which has better schools, Annapolis or Spotsylvania?

Annapolis has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Spotsylvania, standout schools include Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Spotsylvania?

Annapolis has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Spotsylvania?

Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,472/yr on a $520K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Annapolis or Spotsylvania better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.