Market Overview
Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $400K), a difference of about $160K. Charlottesville moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$400K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
27 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Stafford schools
Charlottesville
VA
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
77%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Charlottesville
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~55 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 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
8
Bike Score
58
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Charlottesville
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Charlottesville.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Stafford
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Stafford.
View agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Stafford more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $560K in Stafford. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Stafford?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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 Stafford?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
How do Charlottesville and Stafford 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. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.