Market Overview
Spotsylvania is pricier ($520K median vs $477K), a difference of about $43K. Fredericksburg moves faster, with homes averaging 29 days on market compared to 35 in Spotsylvania. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Fredericksburg
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Price
$477K
$520K
Avg Days on Market
29 days
35 days
Price Range
$151K–$3.8M
$130K–$3M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Spotsylvania leads on school quality with a 74% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Spotsylvania, families look to Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Fredericksburg
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
73%
74%
Top Schools
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fredericksburg is closer to downtown at ~65 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Fredericksburg
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~70 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $477K home in Fredericksburg, you would pay ~$4,055/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $520K home costs ~$4,472/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Fredericksburg
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Rate per $100
$0.850
$0.860
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,055/yr
$4,472/yr
Walkability
Fredericksburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Fredericksburg
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
6
Bike Score
38
15
Safety
Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% below 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
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.8/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
22.1/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
47% above Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fredericksburg or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, compared to $520K in Spotsylvania. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
Which has better schools, Fredericksburg or Spotsylvania?
Spotsylvania has stronger schools overall, with a 74% average pass rate compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Spotsylvania, standout schools include Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fredericksburg or Spotsylvania?
Fredericksburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~65 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fredericksburg vs Spotsylvania?
Fredericksburg has a property tax rate of $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,472/yr on a $520K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fredericksburg or Spotsylvania 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. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.