City Comparison

Frederick vs Manassas: How they compare

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $420K), a difference of about $148K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.

Frederick

MD

Manassas

VA

Median Price

$420K

$568K

Avg Days on Market

20 days

22 days

Price Range

$200K–$1M

$60K–$1.9M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

Schools

Frederick has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Frederick schools | See Manassas schools

Frederick

MD

Manassas

VA

Avg Pass Rate

79%

72%

Public schools

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

Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary

Pass Rate

79%
72%

Commute

Manassas is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).

Frederick

MD

Manassas

VA

Drive to Downtown

~60 min

~45 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-66, Rt 28, Rt 234

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

VRE (Manassas line)

Walkability

Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.

Frederick

MD

Manassas

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

12

15

Bike Score

45

35

Safety

Manassas is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 7% above 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

Manassas

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Average

Violent Crime

1.5/1K

1.8/1K

Property Crime

16.8/1K

16.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

8% above Virginia average

7% above Virginia average

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frederick or Manassas more affordable?

Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $568K in Manassas. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.

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

Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz 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 Manassas?

Manassas has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Manassas has no direct Metro access.

How do Frederick and Manassas compare?

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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 Manassas: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover