Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $510K), a difference of about $450K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$510K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
12 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Annapolis schools | See Vienna schools
Annapolis
MD
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
80%
92%
Top Schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Annapolis
MD
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Vienna
VA
Rate per $100
$0.935
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$10,656/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Vienna. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
30
Bike Score
52
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Vienna more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Annapolis or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Vienna?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Annapolis or Vienna better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.