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 has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Fairfax schools | See Williamsburg schools
Fairfax
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
84%
Public 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Williamsburg?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill 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 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.
How do Fairfax and Williamsburg compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.
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 July 2026.