Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $477K), a difference of about $273K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Arlington
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Median Price
$750K
$477K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
29 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$151K–$3.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. See Arlington schools | See Fredericksburg schools
Arlington
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
73%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Arlington
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~65 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Fredericksburg, a $477K home costs ~$4,055/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$0.850
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$4,055/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
None
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Fredericksburg. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Fredericksburg (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Downtown score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
12
Bike Score
72
38
Safety
Arlington is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" (47% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Arlington
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
2.8/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
22.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
47% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Fredericksburg more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Fredericksburg?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Fredericksburg?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Fredericksburg?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Fredericksburg's rate is $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Arlington and Fredericksburg compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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.