Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $370K), a difference of about $270K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.
Fairfax
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Median Price
$640K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
28 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$150K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 84% in Williamsburg. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Fairfax schools | See Williamsburg schools
Fairfax
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
87%
84%
Top Schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 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), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).
Fairfax
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~25 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-64, Rt 60, Rt 199
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Williamsburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
10
Bike Score
42
42
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% below Virginia average. Williamsburg is rated "Average" (Near 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
Williamsburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.2/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
15.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Williamsburg more affordable?
Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Williamsburg?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 84% in Williamsburg. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Williamsburg, standout schools include Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Williamsburg?
Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.
Is Fairfax or Williamsburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.