Market Overview
Frederick is pricier ($420K median vs $300K), a difference of about $120K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 24 in Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Frederick
MD
Harrisonburg
VA
Median Price
$420K
$300K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
24 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$150K–$600K
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Schools
Frederick has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. See Frederick schools | See Harrisonburg schools
Frederick
MD
Harrisonburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
74%
Public schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11).
Frederick
MD
Harrisonburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~60 min
~10 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-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Harrisonburg more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, 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. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Frederick and Harrisonburg?
Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison 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 Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Frederick and Harrisonburg compare?
Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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.