Market Overview
Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $225K), a difference of about $343K. Manassas 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
Manassas
VA
Median Price
$225K
$568K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
22 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$60K–$1.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Manassas leads on school quality with a 72% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Baltimore schools | See Manassas schools
Baltimore
MD
Manassas
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
55%
72%
Top Schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Manassas is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Baltimore
MD
Manassas
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~45 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-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Property Tax
On a $225K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$5,058/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $568K home costs ~$6,839/yr. Manassas has the lower rate at $1.204 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Manassas
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.204
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,058/yr
$6,839/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
None
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
15
Bike Score
58
35
Safety
Manassas is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 7% 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
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Manassas more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $568K in Manassas. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
Which has better schools, Baltimore or Manassas?
Manassas has stronger schools overall, with a 72% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Manassas?
Manassas has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Manassas has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Manassas?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Baltimore or Manassas 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. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.