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
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Fairfax schools
Charlottesville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
87%
Public 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
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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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Fairfax?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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).
How do Charlottesville and Fairfax 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. Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.