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 leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Frederick schools | See Manassas schools
Frederick
MD
Manassas
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
72%
Top Schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
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
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
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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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.
Which has better schools, Frederick or Manassas?
Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Frederick or Manassas 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. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.