City Comparison

Charlottesville vs Severn: How they 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. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Charlottesville's median sold price is $535K with homes averaging 45 days on market; Severn is at $510K and 36 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Charlottesville is pricier ($535K median vs $510K), a difference of about $25K. Severn moves faster, with homes averaging 36 days on market compared to 45 in Charlottesville. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Charlottesville

VA

Severn

MD

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$535K

$510K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

45 days

36 days

Price Range

$175K–$2M

$200K–$750K

Notable Neighborhoods

Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Severn schools

Charlottesville

VA

Severn

MD

Avg Pass Rate

80%

77%

Public schools

Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

80%
77%

Commute

Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Charlottesville

VA

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~10 min

~40 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250

I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Charlottesville or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median sold price of $510K, compared to $535K in Charlottesville (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. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Severn?

Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill 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 Severn?

Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.

How do Charlottesville and Severn 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. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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.

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Charlottesville vs Severn: $535K vs $510K (2026) | smover