Market Overview
Fredericksburg is pricier ($477K median vs $370K), a difference of about $107K. Williamsburg moves faster, with homes averaging 28 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.
Fredericksburg
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Median Price
$477K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
29 days
28 days
Price Range
$151K–$3.8M
$150K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony
Schools
Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% 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 Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Williamsburg schools
Fredericksburg
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
73%
84%
Top Schools
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).
Fredericksburg
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Walkability
Fredericksburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Williamsburg. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.
Fredericksburg
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
10
Bike Score
38
42
Safety
Williamsburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near 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
Williamsburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.8/1K
1.2/1K
Property Crime
22.1/1K
15.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
47% above Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fredericksburg or Williamsburg more affordable?
Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $477K in Fredericksburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Fredericksburg or Williamsburg?
Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Williamsburg, standout schools include Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fredericksburg or Williamsburg?
Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.
Is Fredericksburg or Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.