Market Overview
Fredericksburg is pricier ($477K median vs $400K), a difference of about $77K. Charlottesville moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Median Price
$400K
$477K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
29 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$151K–$3.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. See Charlottesville schools | See Fredericksburg schools
Charlottesville
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
73%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Charlottesville
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~65 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 3
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Fredericksburg. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Fredericksburg (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Downtown score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
12
Bike Score
58
38
Safety
Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 47% 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
Fredericksburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
2.8/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
22.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
47% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Fredericksburg more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $477K in Fredericksburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Fredericksburg?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant 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 Fredericksburg?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Charlottesville and Fredericksburg 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. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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.