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
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Charlottesville schools | See Vienna schools
Charlottesville
VA
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
92%
Public 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Vienna?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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).
How do Charlottesville and Vienna 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. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.