Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $225K), a difference of about $395K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Ashburn
VA
Baltimore
MD
Median Price
$620K
$225K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
30 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$50K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Baltimore, families look to Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. See Ashburn schools | See Baltimore schools
Ashburn
VA
Baltimore
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Average
Avg Pass Rate
89%
55%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Ashburn is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83).
Ashburn
VA
Baltimore
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~65 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Baltimore, a $225K home costs ~$5,058/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Ashburn
VA
Baltimore
MD
Rate per $100
$0.870
$2.248
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,394/yr
$5,058/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Baltimore (52). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Canton score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Baltimore
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
52
Bike Score
35
58
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Baltimore is rated "Below Average" (135% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Ashburn
VA
Baltimore
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
11.2/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
28.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
135% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Baltimore more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $620K in Ashburn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Baltimore?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Baltimore, standout schools include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Baltimore?
Ashburn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Baltimore has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Baltimore?
Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K home). Baltimore's rate is $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Ashburn or Baltimore better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse 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.