Market Overview
Fairfax's median sold price is $765K with homes averaging 26 days on market; Fredericksburg is at $470K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Fairfax is pricier ($765K median vs $470K), a difference of about $295K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 37 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Fairfax
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$765K
$470K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
26 days
37 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$151K–$3.8M
Notable Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. See Fairfax schools | See Fredericksburg schools
Fairfax
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
73%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Fairfax
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~65 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-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $765K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$8,492/yr in property tax. In Fredericksburg, a $470K home costs ~$3,995/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Fairfax
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.850
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$8,492/yr
$3,995/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
None
Walkability
Fredericksburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Fredericksburg (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Downtown score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
12
Bike Score
42
38
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% below Virginia average. Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" (47% 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
Fredericksburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
2.8/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
22.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
47% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Fredericksburg more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $470K, compared to $765K in Fairfax (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Fredericksburg?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Fredericksburg?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Fredericksburg?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$8,492/yr on a $765K home). Fredericksburg's rate is $0.850 per $100 (~$3,995/yr on a $470K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Fairfax and Fredericksburg compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 August 2026.