Market Overview
Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Burke is at $660K and 20 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Burke is pricier ($660K median vs $275K), a difference of about $385K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 41 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Burke
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$275K
$660K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
41 days
20 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$235K–$1.8M
Notable Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Burke has 86% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Burke, Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. See Baltimore schools | See Burke schools
Baltimore
MD
Burke
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
86%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Burke is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy).
Baltimore
MD
Burke
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
VRE (Burke Centre station)
Property Tax
On a $275K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$6,182/yr in property tax. In Burke, a $660K home costs ~$7,326/yr. Burke has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Burke
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,182/yr
$7,326/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 22 in Burke. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Burke (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Burke Centre score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Burke
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
15
Bike Score
58
25
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Baltimore and Burke. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Baltimore
MD
Burke
VA
Reported Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.5/1K
Reported Property Crime
28.5/1K
8.2/1K
MD
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Burke more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $660K in Burke (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Burke?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Burke has 86% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Burke, Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Burke?
Burke has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Burke has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Burke?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$6,182/yr on a $275K home). Burke's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,326/yr on a $660K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Burke compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park and tree-lined neighborhoods. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 September 2026.