Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $420K), a difference of about $220K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Fairfax
VA
Frederick
MD
Median Price
$640K
$420K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
20 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$200K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Frederick, families look to Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. See Fairfax schools | See Frederick schools
Fairfax
VA
Frederick
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
87%
79%
Top Schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15).
Fairfax
VA
Frederick
MD
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~60 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
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 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Frederick (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Downtown Frederick score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Frederick
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
12
Bike Score
42
45
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% 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.
Fairfax
VA
Frederick
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
16.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
8% above Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Fairfax
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Fairfax.
View top agentsMD
Find agents in Frederick
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Frederick.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Frederick more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Frederick?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley 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, Fairfax or Frederick?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Frederick has no direct Metro access.
Is Fairfax or Frederick better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.