Market Overview
Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $400K), a difference of about $168K. Both cities average 22 days on market. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Manassas
VA
Median Price
$400K
$568K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
22 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$60K–$1.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Charlottesville leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Charlottesville schools | See Manassas schools
Charlottesville
VA
Manassas
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
72%
Top 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 home price of $400K, compared to $568K in Manassas. 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.
Which has better schools, Charlottesville or Manassas?
Charlottesville has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Charlottesville or Manassas 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. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.