Market Overview
Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Spotsylvania is at $500K and 42 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Spotsylvania is pricier ($500K median vs $275K), a difference of about $225K. Baltimore moves faster, with homes averaging 41 days on market compared to 42 in Spotsylvania. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$275K
$500K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
41 days
42 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$130K–$3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Baltimore schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Baltimore
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
74%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Baltimore is closer to downtown at ~65 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Baltimore
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~70 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 $275K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$6,182/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $500K home costs ~$4,300/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$0.860
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,182/yr
$4,300/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
None
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
6
Bike Score
58
15
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Baltimore and Spotsylvania. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Baltimore
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Reported Violent Crime
11.2/1K
1.1/1K
Reported Property Crime
28.5/1K
12.3/1K
MD
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $500K in Spotsylvania (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Spotsylvania?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland 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 Spotsylvania?
Baltimore has the shorter commute to downtown at ~65 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Spotsylvania?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$6,182/yr on a $275K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,300/yr on a $500K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Spotsylvania compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 September 2026.