City Comparison

Arlington vs Fredericksburg: How they 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 details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

Market Overview

Arlington's median sold price is $727K with homes averaging 38 days on market; Fredericksburg is at $470K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Arlington is pricier ($727K median vs $470K), a difference of about $257K. Fredericksburg moves faster, with homes averaging 37 days on market compared to 38 in Arlington. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.

Arlington

VA

Fredericksburg

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$727K

$470K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

38 days

37 days

Price Range

$350K–$2.5M

$151K–$3.8M

Notable 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

These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.

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 $727K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,365/yr in property tax. In Fredericksburg, a $470K home costs ~$3,995/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

$7,365/yr

$3,995/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

69Somewhat Walkable
42Car-Dependent

Transit Score

57

12

Bike Score

72

38

Reported Crime Data

The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Arlington and Fredericksburg. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.

Arlington

VA

Fredericksburg

VA

Reported Violent Crime

1.4/1K

2.8/1K

Reported Property Crime

15.2/1K

22.1/1K

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arlington or Fredericksburg more affordable?

Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $470K, compared to $727K in Arlington (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). 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 (~$7,365/yr on a $727K home). Fredericksburg's rate is $0.850 per $100 (~$3,995/yr on a $470K 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 lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 September 2026.

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