Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $477K), a difference of about $483K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Fredericksburg
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$477K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
29 days
12 days
Price Range
$151K–$3.8M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Vienna schools
Fredericksburg
VA
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
73%
92%
Top Schools
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
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 $477K home in Fredericksburg, you would pay ~$4,055/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/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
$4,055/yr
$10,656/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
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
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 home price of $477K, compared to $960K in Vienna. 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.
Which has better schools, Fredericksburg or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fredericksburg or Vienna 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. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.