Market Overview
Frederick is pricier ($420K median vs $400K), a difference of about $20K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 22 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Frederick
MD
Median Price
$400K
$420K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
20 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$200K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Schools
Charlottesville leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Frederick, families look to Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Frederick schools
Charlottesville
VA
Frederick
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
79%
Top Schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15).
Charlottesville
VA
Frederick
MD
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~60 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Frederick. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Frederick (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Downtown Frederick score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Frederick
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
12
Bike Score
58
45
Safety
Frederick is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 8% above 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
Frederick
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
16.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
8% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Frederick more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $420K in Frederick. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Charlottesville or Frederick?
Charlottesville has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Frederick, standout schools include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Charlottesville or Frederick?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Frederick has no direct Metro access.
Is Charlottesville or Frederick 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. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.