Market Overview
Charlottesville is pricier ($400K median vs $355K), a difference of about $45K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 22 in Charlottesville. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Charlottesville
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$400K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
18 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Richmond schools
Charlottesville
VA
Richmond
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
67%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~10 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Charlottesville
VA
Richmond
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~10 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, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 48 in Charlottesville. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
28
Bike Score
58
52
Safety
Richmond is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 83% 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
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, compared to $400K in Charlottesville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Richmond?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open 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 Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~10 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Richmond has no direct Metro access.
How do Charlottesville and Richmond 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. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.