City Comparison

Annapolis vs Warrenton: Which is right for your family?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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 $500K), a difference of about $10K. Annapolis moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Warrenton offers a lower entry point at $225K–$2M.

Annapolis

MD

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$510K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

28 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Annapolis leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Warrenton, families look to Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Annapolis schools | See Warrenton schools

Annapolis

MD

Warrenton

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

80%

78%

Top Schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

80%
78%

Commute

Annapolis is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Annapolis

MD

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~60 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97

Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

None

None

Walkability

Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Warrenton. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

Annapolis

MD

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

45Car-Dependent
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

52

28

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Warrenton more affordable?

Warrenton is more affordable with a median home price of $500K, 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+. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

Which has better schools, Annapolis or Warrenton?

Annapolis has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Warrenton, standout schools include Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Warrenton?

Annapolis has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

Is Annapolis or Warrenton better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.