City Comparison

Frederick vs Leesburg: How they compare

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

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

Frederick has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Leesburg has 88% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Leesburg, Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Frederick schools | See Leesburg schools

Frederick

MD

Leesburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

79%

88%

Public 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

79%
88%

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

42Car-Dependent
38Car-Dependent

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

Average
Very Safe

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

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VA

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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.

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

Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Leesburg has 88% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Leesburg, Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

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.

How do Frederick and Leesburg compare?

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.

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Frederick vs Leesburg: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover