Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $355K), a difference of about $285K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Fairfax
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$640K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
18 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Richmond, families look to Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Fairfax schools | See Richmond schools
Fairfax
VA
Richmond
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Average
Avg Pass Rate
87%
67%
Top Schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Fairfax
VA
Richmond
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 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, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
28
Bike Score
42
52
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% below Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% 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
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, 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. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Richmond?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Richmond, standout schools include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Richmond has no direct Metro access.
Is Fairfax or Richmond better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.