City Comparison

Baltimore vs Severn: How they compare

Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Severn is pricier ($430K median vs $225K), a difference of about $205K. Severn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.

Baltimore

MD

Severn

MD

Median Price

$225K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

30 days

16 days

Price Range

$50K–$1.5M

$200K–$750K

Top Neighborhoods

Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Baltimore schools | See Severn schools

Baltimore

MD

Severn

MD

Avg Pass Rate

55%

77%

Public schools

Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

55%
77%

Commute

Severn is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Baltimore

MD

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~65 min

~40 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-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)

None

MD

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore or Severn more affordable?

Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $430K in Severn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Severn?

Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Severn?

Severn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.

How do Baltimore and Severn compare?

Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

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 June 2026.

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Baltimore vs Severn: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover