Market Overview
Frederick is pricier ($420K median vs $280K), a difference of about $140K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$420K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
24 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$100K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Frederick leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Norfolk, families look to Maury High School and Granby High School. See Frederick schools | See Norfolk schools
Frederick
MD
Norfolk
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Average
Avg Pass Rate
79%
65%
Top Schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk 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), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Frederick
MD
Norfolk
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-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Frederick. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
22
Bike Score
45
48
Safety
Frederick is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 8% above Virginia average. Norfolk is rated "Below Average" (72% 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
Norfolk
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
4.2/1K
Property Crime
16.8/1K
24.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
8% above Virginia average
72% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, 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. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Frederick or Norfolk?
Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Norfolk, standout schools include Maury High School and Granby High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
Is Frederick or Norfolk 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. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. 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.