Market Overview
Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $420K), a difference of about $450K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Leesburg
VA
Median Price
$420K
$870K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
22 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$150K–$5.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road
Schools
Leesburg leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Leesburg, families look to Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Frederick schools | See Leesburg schools
Frederick
MD
Leesburg
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
79%
88%
Top Schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Leesburg is closer to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).
Frederick
MD
Leesburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~60 min
~50 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
Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Leesburg. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Leesburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Lansdowne score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Leesburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
10
Bike Score
45
42
Safety
Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% below Virginia average. Frederick is rated "Average" (8% 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
Leesburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
16.8/1K
7.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
8% above Virginia average
51% below Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Frederick
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Frederick.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Leesburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Leesburg.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Leesburg more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.
Which has better schools, Frederick or Leesburg?
Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Leesburg, standout schools include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Leesburg?
Leesburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Leesburg has no direct Metro access.
Is Frederick or Leesburg 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. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.