Market Overview
Charlottesville is pricier ($400K median vs $225K), a difference of about $175K. Charlottesville moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Median Price
$225K
$400K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
22 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$175K–$2M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Charlottesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Charlottesville, Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. See Baltimore schools | See Charlottesville schools
Baltimore
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
80%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250).
Baltimore
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~10 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-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
None
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 48 in Charlottesville. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Charlottesville (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Downtown Mall score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
18
Bike Score
58
58
Safety
Charlottesville is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 32% above 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
Charlottesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
2.5/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
19.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
32% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Charlottesville more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $400K in Charlottesville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Charlottesville?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Charlottesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Charlottesville, Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Charlottesville?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access.
How do Baltimore and Charlottesville compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Charlottesville is a college town centered around the University of Virginia, with a walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia wine country. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
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 June 2026.