City Comparison

Fredericksburg vs Hampton: How they compare

Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Fredericksburg's median sold price is $470K with homes averaging 35 days on market; Hampton is at $299K and 48 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Fredericksburg is pricier ($470K median vs $299K), a difference of about $171K. Fredericksburg moves faster, with homes averaging 35 days on market compared to 48 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.

Fredericksburg

VA

Hampton

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$470K

$299K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

35 days

48 days

Price Range

$151K–$3.8M

$80K–$650K

Notable Neighborhoods

Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

Schools

Fredericksburg has a 73% average SOL pass rate; Hampton has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School; in Hampton, Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Hampton schools

Fredericksburg

VA

Hampton

VA

Avg Pass Rate

73%

65%

Public schools

James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School

Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School

Pass Rate

73%
65%

Commute

Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258).

Fredericksburg

VA

Hampton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~65 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3

I-64, I-664, Rt 258

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

Safety

Hampton is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 42% above 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.

Fredericksburg

VA

Hampton

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Below Average

Violent Crime

2.8/1K

3.8/1K

Property Crime

22.1/1K

20.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

47% above Virginia average

42% above Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fredericksburg or Hampton more affordable?

Hampton is more affordable with a median sold price of $299K, compared to $470K in Fredericksburg (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. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Fredericksburg and Hampton?

Fredericksburg public schools have a 73% average SOL pass rate; Hampton has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School; in Hampton, Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Fredericksburg or Hampton?

Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Hampton has no direct Metro access.

How do Fredericksburg and Hampton compare?

Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.

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Fredericksburg vs Hampton: $470K vs $299K (2026) | smover