Market Overview
Hampton is pricier ($255K median vs $225K), a difference of about $30K. Hampton moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Hampton
VA
Median Price
$225K
$255K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
25 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$80K–$650K
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe
Schools
Hampton leads on school quality with a 65% average pass rate (rated Average) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Hampton, families look to Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Baltimore schools | See Hampton schools
Baltimore
MD
Hampton
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Average
Avg Pass Rate
55%
65%
Top Schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258).
Baltimore
MD
Hampton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~25 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, I-664, Rt 258
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
None
Safety
Hampton is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 42% 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
Hampton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
3.8/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
20.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
42% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Hampton more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $255K in Hampton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K.
Which has better schools, Baltimore or Hampton?
Hampton has stronger schools overall, with a 65% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Hampton, standout schools include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Hampton?
Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Hampton has no direct Metro access.
Is Baltimore or Hampton 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. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.