Market Overview
Charlottesville's median sold price is $535K with homes averaging 45 days on market; Manassas is at $548K and 29 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Manassas is pricier ($548K median vs $535K), a difference of about $13K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 29 days on market compared to 45 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Manassas
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$535K
$548K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
45 days
29 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$60K–$1.9M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Charlottesville schools | See Manassas schools
Charlottesville
VA
Manassas
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
72%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round 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), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Charlottesville
VA
Manassas
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-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
15
Bike Score
58
35
Safety
Manassas is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 7% 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
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Manassas more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median sold price of $535K, compared to $548K in Manassas (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. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Manassas?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz 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 Manassas?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Manassas has no direct Metro access.
How do Charlottesville and Manassas 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. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.