Market Overview
Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $225K), a difference of about $532K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Burke
VA
Median Price
$225K
$757K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
14 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$235K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Schools
Burke leads on school quality with a 86% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Burke, families look to Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. See Baltimore schools | See Burke schools
Baltimore
MD
Burke
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
55%
86%
Top Schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
Pass Rate
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 $225K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$5,058/yr in property tax. In Burke, a $757K home costs ~$8,403/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
$5,058/yr
$8,403/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
Safety
Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% 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.
Baltimore
MD
Burke
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
8.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
49% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Burke more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $757K in Burke. 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.
Which has better schools, Baltimore or Burke?
Burke has stronger schools overall, with a 86% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Burke, standout schools include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Burke's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$8,403/yr on a $757K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Baltimore or Burke better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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, top-rated schools, and tree-lined 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.