Market Overview
Fredericksburg is pricier ($477K median vs $420K), a difference of about $57K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Median Price
$420K
$477K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
29 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$151K–$3.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Schools
Frederick leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Fredericksburg, families look to James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. See Frederick schools | See Fredericksburg schools
Frederick
MD
Fredericksburg
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
73%
Top Schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Pass Rate
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
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
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 home price of $420K, compared to $477K in Fredericksburg. 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.
Which has better schools, Frederick or Fredericksburg?
Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Fredericksburg, standout schools include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Frederick or Fredericksburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 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.