City Comparison

Frederick vs Fredericksburg: How they compare

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Frederick's median sold price is $450K with homes averaging 34 days on market; Fredericksburg is at $470K and 35 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Fredericksburg is pricier ($470K median vs $450K), a difference of about $20K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 34 days on market compared to 35 in Fredericksburg. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.

Frederick

MD

Fredericksburg

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$450K

$470K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

34 days

35 days

Price Range

$200K–$1M

$151K–$3.8M

Notable Neighborhoods

Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge

Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead

Schools

Frederick has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. See Frederick schools | See Fredericksburg schools

Frederick

MD

Fredericksburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

79%

73%

Public schools

Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School

James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School

Pass Rate

79%
73%

Commute

Frederick is closer to downtown at ~60 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).

Frederick

MD

Fredericksburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~60 min

~65 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

Walkability

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

Frederick

MD

Fredericksburg

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
42Car-Dependent

Transit Score

12

12

Bike Score

45

38

Safety

Frederick is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 8% above 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.

Frederick

MD

Fredericksburg

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Below Average

Violent Crime

1.5/1K

2.8/1K

Property Crime

16.8/1K

22.1/1K

vs Virginia Avg

8% above Virginia average

47% above Virginia average

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frederick or Fredericksburg more affordable?

Frederick is more affordable with a median sold price of $450K, compared to $470K in Fredericksburg (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M.

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

Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Fredericksburg?

Frederick has the shorter commute to downtown at ~60 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access.

How do Frederick and Fredericksburg compare?

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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 Jul 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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Frederick vs Fredericksburg: $450K vs $470K (2026) | smover