Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $400K), a difference of about $560K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 22 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$400K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
12 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Charlottesville schools | See Vienna schools
Charlottesville
VA
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
80%
92%
Top Schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Charlottesville
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Vienna. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
30
Bike Score
58
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Vienna more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Charlottesville or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Charlottesville or Vienna?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
Is Charlottesville or Vienna 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. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.