Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $520K), a difference of about $230K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 35 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Arlington
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Price
$750K
$520K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
35 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$130K–$3M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Spotsylvania, families look to Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Arlington schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Arlington
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
74%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~70 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), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Arlington
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~70 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 Spotsylvania, a $520K home costs ~$4,472/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$0.860
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$4,472/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
None
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
6
Bike Score
72
15
Safety
Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% below Virginia average. Arlington is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Arlington
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Arlington
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Arlington.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Spotsylvania
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Spotsylvania.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median home price of $520K, 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. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Spotsylvania?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Spotsylvania, standout schools include Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Spotsylvania?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Spotsylvania?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,472/yr on a $520K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Spotsylvania better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.