City Comparison

Frederick vs Hampton: Which is right for your family?

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Frederick is pricier ($420K median vs $255K), a difference of about $165K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.

Frederick

MD

Hampton

VA

Median Price

$420K

$255K

Avg Days on Market

20 days

25 days

Price Range

$200K–$1M

$80K–$650K

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

Schools

Frederick leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Hampton, families look to Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Frederick schools | See Hampton schools

Frederick

MD

Hampton

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Average

Avg Pass Rate

79%

65%

Top Schools

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

Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School

Pass Rate

79%
65%

Commute

Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258).

Frederick

MD

Hampton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~60 min

~25 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-64, I-664, Rt 258

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

None

Safety

Frederick is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 8% above Virginia average. Hampton is rated "Below Average" (42% 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

Hampton

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Below Average

Violent Crime

1.5/1K

3.8/1K

Property Crime

16.8/1K

20.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

8% above Virginia average

42% above Virginia average

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frederick or Hampton more affordable?

Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $420K in Frederick. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K.

Which has better schools, Frederick or Hampton?

Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Hampton, standout schools include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Hampton?

Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Hampton has no direct Metro access.

Is Frederick or Hampton 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. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.