Market Overview
Frederick is pricier ($420K median vs $225K), a difference of about $195K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Frederick
MD
Median Price
$225K
$420K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
20 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$200K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Schools
Frederick leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Frederick, families look to Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. See Baltimore schools | See Frederick schools
Baltimore
MD
Frederick
MD
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
55%
79%
Top Schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Frederick is closer to downtown at ~60 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15).
Baltimore
MD
Frederick
MD
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~60 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-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Frederick. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Frederick (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Downtown Frederick score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Frederick
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
12
Bike Score
58
45
Safety
Frederick is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 8% 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
Frederick
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
16.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
8% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Frederick more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $420K in Frederick. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Baltimore or Frederick?
Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Frederick, standout schools include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Frederick?
Frederick has the shorter commute to downtown at ~60 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Frederick has no direct Metro access.
Is Baltimore or Frederick 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. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.