Market Overview
Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $225K), a difference of about $645K. Leesburg 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
Leesburg
VA
Median Price
$225K
$870K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
22 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$150K–$5.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road
Schools
Leesburg leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Leesburg, families look to Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Baltimore schools | See Leesburg schools
Baltimore
MD
Leesburg
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
55%
88%
Top Schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Leesburg is closer to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).
Baltimore
MD
Leesburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~50 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
Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway
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 Leesburg, a $870K home costs ~$7,569/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Leesburg
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$0.870
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,058/yr
$7,569/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 38 in Leesburg. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Leesburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Lansdowne score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Leesburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
10
Bike Score
58
42
Safety
Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% 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
Leesburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
7.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
51% below Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Baltimore
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Baltimore.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Leesburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Leesburg.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Leesburg more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.
Which has better schools, Baltimore or Leesburg?
Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Leesburg, standout schools include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Leesburg?
Leesburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Leesburg has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Leesburg?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Leesburg's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Baltimore or Leesburg 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. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.