Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $477K), a difference of about $226K. Springfield moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Fredericksburg
VA
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$477K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
29 days
16 days
Price Range
$151K–$3.8M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Springfield leads on school quality with a 82% 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 Springfield, families look to West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Springfield schools
Fredericksburg
VA
Springfield
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
73%
82%
Top Schools
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Fredericksburg
VA
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
N/A
Blue
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $477K home in Fredericksburg, you would pay ~$4,055/yr in property tax. In Springfield, a $703K home costs ~$7,803/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Fredericksburg
VA
Springfield
VA
Rate per $100
$0.850
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,055/yr
$7,803/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Fredericksburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Fredericksburg
VA
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
28
Bike Score
38
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.8/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
22.1/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
47% above Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fredericksburg or Springfield more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
Which has better schools, Fredericksburg or Springfield?
Springfield has stronger schools overall, with a 82% average pass rate compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Springfield, standout schools include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fredericksburg or Springfield?
Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
What are property taxes in Fredericksburg vs Springfield?
Fredericksburg has a property tax rate of $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Springfield's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,803/yr on a $703K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fredericksburg or Springfield 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. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.