Market Overview
Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $477K), a difference of about $83K. Stafford moves faster, with homes averaging 27 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Fredericksburg
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$477K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
29 days
27 days
Price Range
$151K–$3.8M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Stafford leads on school quality with a 77% 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 Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Stafford schools
Fredericksburg
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
73%
77%
Top Schools
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Stafford is closer to downtown at ~55 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Fredericksburg
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~55 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 610
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 Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Fredericksburg
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$0.850
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,055/yr
$5,874/yr
Walkability
Fredericksburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Fredericksburg
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
8
Bike Score
38
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.8/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
22.1/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
47% above Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fredericksburg or Stafford more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, compared to $560K in Stafford. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Fredericksburg or Stafford?
Stafford has stronger schools overall, with a 77% average pass rate compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fredericksburg or Stafford?
Stafford has the shorter commute to downtown at ~55 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fredericksburg vs Stafford?
Fredericksburg has a property tax rate of $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fredericksburg or Stafford 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. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.