Market Overview
Fredericksburg is pricier ($477K median vs $225K), a difference of about $252K. Fredericksburg moves faster, with homes averaging 29 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Median Price
$225K
$477K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
29 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$151K–$3.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Schools
Fredericksburg leads on school quality with a 73% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Fredericksburg, families look to James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. See Baltimore schools | See Fredericksburg schools
Baltimore
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
55%
73%
Top Schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fredericksburg is closer to downtown at ~65 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Baltimore
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~65 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-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $225K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$5,058/yr in property tax. In Fredericksburg, a $477K home costs ~$4,055/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$0.850
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,058/yr
$4,055/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
None
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Fredericksburg. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Fredericksburg (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Downtown score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
12
Bike Score
58
38
Safety
Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 47% 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
Fredericksburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
2.8/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
22.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
47% above Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Baltimore
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Baltimore.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Fredericksburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Fredericksburg.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Fredericksburg more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $477K in Fredericksburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M.
Which has better schools, Baltimore or Fredericksburg?
Fredericksburg has stronger schools overall, with a 73% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Fredericksburg, standout schools include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Fredericksburg?
Fredericksburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~65 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Fredericksburg?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Fredericksburg's rate is $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Baltimore or Fredericksburg 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. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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.