Market Overview
Fairfax's median sold price is $767K with homes averaging 25 days on market; Spotsylvania is at $500K and 41 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Fairfax is pricier ($767K median vs $500K), a difference of about $267K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 41 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Fairfax
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$767K
$500K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
25 days
41 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$130K–$3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Fairfax schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Fairfax
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
74%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Fairfax
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~70 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 $767K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$8,514/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $500K home costs ~$4,300/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Fairfax
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.860
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$8,514/yr
$4,300/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
None
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
6
Bike Score
42
15
Safety
Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% below Virginia average. Fairfax is rated "Safe" (35% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Fairfax
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median sold price of $500K, compared to $767K in Fairfax (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 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. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Spotsylvania?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Spotsylvania?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Spotsylvania?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$8,514/yr on a $767K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,300/yr on a $500K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Fairfax and Spotsylvania compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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 Jul 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.