City Comparison

Annapolis vs Springfield: Which is right for your family?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $510K), a difference of about $193K. Springfield moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.

Annapolis

MD

Springfield

VA

Median Price

$510K

$703K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

16 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$210K–$1.7M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park

Schools

Springfield leads on school quality with a 82% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Springfield, families look to West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Annapolis schools | See Springfield schools

Annapolis

MD

Springfield

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

80%

82%

Top Schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School

Pass Rate

80%
82%

Commute

Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).

Annapolis

MD

Springfield

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~30 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)

Metro Lines

N/A

Blue

Major Highways

Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97

I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy

Commuter Rail

None

None

Property Tax

On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Springfield, a $703K home costs ~$7,803/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.

Annapolis

MD

Springfield

VA

Rate per $100

$0.935

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$4,769/yr

$7,803/yr

Notes

Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738

Fairfax County rate

Walkability

Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.

Annapolis

MD

Springfield

VA

Walk Score

45Car-Dependent
32Car-Dependent

Transit Score

18

28

Bike Score

52

38

Safety

Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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

Springfield

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Safe

Violent Crime

2.2/1K

0.7/1K

Property Crime

20.5/1K

10.1/1K

vs Virginia Avg

34% above Virginia average

36% below Virginia average

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Springfield more affordable?

Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.

Which has better schools, Annapolis or Springfield?

Springfield has stronger schools overall, with a 82% average pass rate compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Springfield, standout schools include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Springfield?

Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).

What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Springfield?

Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Springfield's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,803/yr on a $703K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Annapolis or Springfield better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.