City Comparison

Annapolis vs Winchester: How they compare

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Winchester is a historic Shenandoah Valley city known for apple orchards, Civil War heritage, and a revitalized downtown. 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 $310K), a difference of about $200K. Both cities average 25 days on market. Winchester offers a lower entry point at $150K–$700K.

Annapolis

MD

Winchester

VA

Median Price

$510K

$310K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

25 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$150K–$700K

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Old Town, Stonewall Industrial, Kernstown, Meadow Branch

Schools

Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School. See Annapolis schools | See Winchester schools

Annapolis

MD

Winchester

VA

Avg Pass Rate

80%

75%

Public schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

John Handley High School, Daniel Morgan Middle School, Quarles Elementary

Pass Rate

80%
75%

Commute

Winchester is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Winchester (I-81, Rt 7, Rt 11).

Annapolis

MD

Winchester

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~10 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97

I-81, Rt 7, Rt 11, Rt 50, Rt 522

Commuter Rail

None

None

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Winchester more affordable?

Winchester is more affordable with a median home price of $310K, 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+. Winchester prices range from $150K–$700K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Winchester?

Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Winchester?

Winchester has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Winchester has no direct Metro access.

How do Annapolis and Winchester compare?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Winchester is a historic Shenandoah Valley city known for apple orchards, Civil War heritage, and a revitalized downtown. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

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 June 2026.

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Annapolis vs Winchester: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover