Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $370K), a difference of about $380K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.
Arlington
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Median Price
$750K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
28 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$150K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Arlington schools | See Williamsburg schools
Arlington
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
84%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~25 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), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).
Arlington
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~25 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-64, Rt 60, Rt 199
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 35 in Williamsburg. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
10
Bike Score
72
42
Safety
Williamsburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near 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
Williamsburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
1.2/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
15.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Williamsburg more affordable?
Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Williamsburg?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill 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 Williamsburg?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Arlington and Williamsburg compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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 July 2026.