Market Overview
Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $477K), a difference of about $91K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Fredericksburg
VA
Manassas
VA
Median Price
$477K
$568K
Avg Days on Market
29 days
22 days
Price Range
$151K–$3.8M
$60K–$1.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Fredericksburg leads on school quality with a 73% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Manassas schools
Fredericksburg
VA
Manassas
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
73%
72%
Top Schools
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Manassas is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Fredericksburg
VA
Manassas
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Property Tax
On a $477K home in Fredericksburg, you would pay ~$4,055/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $568K home costs ~$6,839/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Fredericksburg
VA
Manassas
VA
Rate per $100
$0.850
$1.204
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,055/yr
$6,839/yr
Walkability
Fredericksburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Fredericksburg
VA
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
15
Bike Score
38
35
Safety
Manassas is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 7% 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
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.8/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
22.1/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
47% above Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fredericksburg or Manassas more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, compared to $568K in Manassas. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
Which has better schools, Fredericksburg or Manassas?
Fredericksburg has stronger schools overall, with a 73% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fredericksburg or Manassas?
Manassas has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Manassas has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fredericksburg vs Manassas?
Fredericksburg has a property tax rate of $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fredericksburg or Manassas better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.