City Comparison

Fredericksburg vs Williamsburg: How they compare

Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

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

Fredericksburg has a 73% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Williamsburg schools

Fredericksburg

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

73%

84%

Public schools

James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

73%
84%

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

42Car-Dependent
35Car-Dependent

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

Below Average
Average

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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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.

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

Fredericksburg public schools have a 73% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

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.

How do Fredericksburg and Williamsburg compare?

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 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.

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 June 2026.

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Fredericksburg vs Williamsburg: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover