City Comparison

Annapolis vs Williamsburg: Which is right for your family?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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 $370K), a difference of about $140K. Annapolis moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.

Annapolis

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Median Price

$510K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

28 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$150K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony

Schools

Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Annapolis schools | See Williamsburg schools

Annapolis

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

80%

84%

Top Schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

80%
84%

Commute

Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Annapolis

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97

I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

None

None

Walkability

Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Williamsburg. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.

Annapolis

MD

Williamsburg

VA

Walk Score

45Car-Dependent
35Car-Dependent

Transit Score

18

10

Bike Score

52

42

Safety

Williamsburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near 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

Williamsburg

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Average

Violent Crime

2.2/1K

1.2/1K

Property Crime

20.5/1K

15.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

34% above Virginia average

Near Virginia average

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Williamsburg more affordable?

Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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+. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

Which has better schools, Annapolis or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Williamsburg, standout schools include Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.

Is Annapolis or Williamsburg better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.