Market Overview
Charlottesville's median sold price is $535K with homes averaging 45 days on market; Dumfries is at $595K and 30 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Dumfries is pricier ($595K median vs $535K), a difference of about $60K. Dumfries moves faster, with homes averaging 30 days on market compared to 45 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Dumfries
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$535K
$595K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
45 days
30 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$200K–$750K
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Montclair, Potomac Club, Triangle, Cherry Hill
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Dumfries has 71% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Dumfries, Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. See Charlottesville schools | See Dumfries schools
Charlottesville
VA
Dumfries
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
71%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Forest Park High School, Graham Park Middle School, Leesylvania Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Dumfries (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234).
Charlottesville
VA
Dumfries
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Dumfries more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median sold price of $535K, compared to $595K in Dumfries (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. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Dumfries prices range from $200K–$750K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Dumfries?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Dumfries has 71% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Dumfries, Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Charlottesville or Dumfries?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Dumfries has no direct Metro access.
How do Charlottesville and Dumfries compare?
Charlottesville is a college town centered around the University of Virginia, with a walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia wine country. Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. 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.
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 August 2026.