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 leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 84% in Williamsburg. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Arlington schools | See Williamsburg schools
Arlington
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
84%
Top 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.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Williamsburg?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 84% in Williamsburg. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Williamsburg, standout schools include Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Arlington or Williamsburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.