Market Overview
Charlottesville is pricier ($400K median vs $370K), a difference of about $30K. Charlottesville moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.
Charlottesville
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Median Price
$400K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
28 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$150K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Williamsburg schools
Charlottesville
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
84%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).
Charlottesville
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Williamsburg. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
10
Bike Score
58
42
Safety
Williamsburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near 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
Williamsburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
1.2/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
15.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Williamsburg more affordable?
Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $400K in Charlottesville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Williamsburg?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill 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 Williamsburg?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Charlottesville and Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.