Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $400K), a difference of about $240K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$400K
$640K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
14 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$350K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Fairfax, families look to Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Fairfax schools
Charlottesville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
80%
87%
Top Schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Charlottesville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
28
Bike Score
58
42
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% below Virginia average. Charlottesville is rated "Below Average" (32% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Charlottesville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Charlottesville
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Charlottesville.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Fairfax
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Fairfax.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Fairfax more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Charlottesville or Fairfax?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Fairfax, standout schools include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Charlottesville or Fairfax?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
Is Charlottesville or Fairfax better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.