Market Overview
Centreville is pricier ($600K median vs $225K), a difference of about $375K. Centreville moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Centreville
VA
Median Price
$225K
$600K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
16 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$245K–$3.1M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Schools
Centreville leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Centreville, families look to Centreville High School and Westfield High School. See Baltimore schools | See Centreville schools
Baltimore
MD
Centreville
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
55%
84%
Top Schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Centreville is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).
Baltimore
MD
Centreville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~40 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-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $225K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$5,058/yr in property tax. In Centreville, a $600K home costs ~$6,660/yr. Centreville has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Centreville
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,058/yr
$6,660/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 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Centreville (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Centre Ridge score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Centreville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
15
Bike Score
58
28
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% 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
Centreville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
9.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
42% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Centreville more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $600K in Centreville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M.
Which has better schools, Baltimore or Centreville?
Centreville has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Centreville, standout schools include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Centreville?
Centreville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Centreville has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Centreville?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Centreville's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,660/yr on a $600K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Baltimore or Centreville 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. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. 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.