Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $355K), a difference of about $395K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Arlington
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$750K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
18 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Arlington schools | See Richmond schools
Arlington
VA
Richmond
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
67%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~15 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), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Arlington
VA
Richmond
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~10 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, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 50 in Richmond. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
28
Bike Score
72
52
Safety
Arlington is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% 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
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, 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. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Richmond?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~15 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Richmond has no direct Metro access.
How do Arlington and Richmond compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.