City Comparison

Fredericksburg vs Vienna: How they compare

Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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 37 days on market; Vienna is at $1.1M and 31 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Vienna is pricier ($1.1M median vs $470K), a difference of about $653K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 31 days on market compared to 37 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.

Fredericksburg

VA

Vienna

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$470K

$1.1M

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

37 days

31 days

Price Range

$151K–$3.8M

$500K–$2.5M

Notable Neighborhoods

Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead

Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights

Schools

Fredericksburg has a 73% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Vienna schools

Fredericksburg

VA

Vienna

VA

Avg Pass Rate

73%

92%

Public schools

James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School

James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary

Pass Rate

73%
92%

Commute

Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).

Fredericksburg

VA

Vienna

VA

Drive to Downtown

~65 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)

Metro Lines

N/A

Orange

Major Highways

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3

I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

Property Tax

On a $470K home in Fredericksburg, you would pay ~$3,995/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $1.1M home costs ~$12,460/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.

Fredericksburg

VA

Vienna

VA

Rate per $100

$0.850

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$3,995/yr

$12,460/yr

Notes

None

Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275

Walkability

Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Fredericksburg. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.

Fredericksburg

VA

Vienna

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
42Car-Dependent

Transit Score

12

30

Bike Score

38

48

Safety

Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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

Vienna

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

2.8/1K

0.4/1K

Property Crime

22.1/1K

7.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

47% above Virginia average

55% below Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fredericksburg or Vienna more affordable?

Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $470K, compared to $1.1M in Vienna (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.

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

Fredericksburg public schools have a 73% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Fredericksburg or Vienna?

Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).

What are property taxes in Fredericksburg vs Vienna?

Fredericksburg has a property tax rate of $0.850 per $100 (~$3,995/yr on a $470K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$12,460/yr on a $1.1M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Fredericksburg and Vienna compare?

Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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 Aug 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 Vienna: $470K vs $1.1M (2026) | smover