Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $477K), a difference of about $573K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Bethesda
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$477K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
29 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$151K–$3.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Schools
Bethesda leads on school quality with a 93% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. In Fredericksburg, families look to James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. See Bethesda schools | See Fredericksburg schools
Bethesda
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
93%
73%
Top Schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Bethesda
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~65 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Red
N/A
Major Highways
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $1.1M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$10,374/yr in property tax. In Fredericksburg, a $477K home costs ~$4,055/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$0.850
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$10,374/yr
$4,055/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
None
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 42 in Fredericksburg. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Fredericksburg (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Downtown score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
12
Bike Score
68
38
Safety
Bethesda is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% below Virginia average. Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" (47% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Bethesda
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
2.8/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
22.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
47% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Fredericksburg more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, compared to $1.1M in Bethesda. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M.
Which has better schools, Bethesda or Fredericksburg?
Bethesda has stronger schools overall, with a 93% average pass rate compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. In Fredericksburg, standout schools include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bethesda or Fredericksburg?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Fredericksburg?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M home). Fredericksburg's rate is $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Bethesda or Fredericksburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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.