Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $225K), a difference of about $478K. Springfield 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
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$225K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
16 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Springfield has 82% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Springfield, West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Baltimore schools | See Springfield schools
Baltimore
MD
Springfield
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
82%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Baltimore
MD
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
N/A
Blue
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
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 Springfield, a $703K home costs ~$7,803/yr. Springfield has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Springfield
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,058/yr
$7,803/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
28
Bike Score
58
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Springfield more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Springfield?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Springfield has 82% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Springfield, West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee 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 Springfield?
Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Springfield?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Springfield's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,803/yr on a $703K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Springfield compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.