Market Overview
Charlottesville's median sold price is $535K with homes averaging 45 days on market; Spotsylvania is at $500K and 42 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Charlottesville is pricier ($535K median vs $500K), a difference of about $35K. Spotsylvania moves faster, with homes averaging 42 days on market compared to 45 in Charlottesville. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Charlottesville
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$535K
$500K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
45 days
42 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$130K–$3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Charlottesville
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
74%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Charlottesville
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~70 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 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
6
Bike Score
58
15
Safety
Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% below 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
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median sold price of $500K, 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. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Spotsylvania?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland 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 Spotsylvania?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
How do Charlottesville and Spotsylvania 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. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.