Market Overview
Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $510K), a difference of about $50K. Annapolis moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$510K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
27 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Annapolis leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Annapolis schools | See Stafford schools
Annapolis
MD
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
77%
Top Schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Annapolis is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Annapolis
MD
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~55 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 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$0.935
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$5,874/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 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
8
Bike Score
52
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Stafford more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $560K in Stafford. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Annapolis or Stafford?
Annapolis has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Stafford?
Annapolis has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Stafford?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Annapolis or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.