Market Overview
Frederick is pricier ($420K median vs $380K), a difference of about $40K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 22 in Chesapeake. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Chesapeake
VA
Frederick
MD
Median Price
$380K
$420K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
20 days
Price Range
$175K–$1M
$200K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Schools
Frederick leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Chesapeake. Top schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. In Frederick, families look to Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. See Chesapeake schools | See Frederick schools
Chesapeake
VA
Frederick
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
79%
Top Schools
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Chesapeake is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Chesapeake (I-64, I-464, I-264), Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15).
Chesapeake
VA
Frederick
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~60 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-64, I-464, I-264, Rt 168, Rt 17
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Chesapeake. Transit scores: Chesapeake (8) vs Frederick (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Great Bridge and Downtown Frederick score much higher than suburban areas.
Chesapeake
VA
Frederick
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
12
Bike Score
22
45
Safety
Chesapeake is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 13% below Virginia average. Frederick is rated "Average" (8% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Chesapeake
VA
Frederick
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.2/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
13.5/1K
16.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
13% below Virginia average
8% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Frederick more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, compared to $420K in Frederick. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Chesapeake or Frederick?
Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 79% in Chesapeake. Top schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. In Frederick, standout schools include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Chesapeake or Frederick?
Chesapeake has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Chesapeake has no direct Metro access. Frederick has no direct Metro access.
Is Chesapeake or Frederick better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, excellent schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.