Market Overview
Dumfries is pricier ($450K median vs $420K), a difference of about $30K. Both cities average 20 days on market. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Dumfries
VA
Frederick
MD
Median Price
$450K
$420K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
20 days
Price Range
$200K–$750K
$200K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Montclair, Potomac Club, Triangle, Cherry Hill
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Schools
Frederick leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 71% in Dumfries. Top schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. In Frederick, families look to Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. See Dumfries schools | See Frederick schools
Dumfries
VA
Frederick
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
71%
79%
Top Schools
Forest Park High School, Graham Park Middle School, Leesylvania Elementary
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Dumfries is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Dumfries (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234), Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15).
Dumfries
VA
Frederick
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~60 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dumfries or Frederick more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $450K in Dumfries. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Dumfries prices range from $200K–$750K. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Dumfries or Frederick?
Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 71% in Dumfries. Top schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle 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, Dumfries or Frederick?
Dumfries has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Dumfries has no direct Metro access. Frederick has no direct Metro access.
Is Dumfries or Frederick better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. 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.