Market Overview
Frederick is pricier ($420K median vs $355K), a difference of about $65K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Frederick
MD
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$420K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
18 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Frederick leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Richmond, families look to Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Frederick schools | See Richmond schools
Frederick
MD
Richmond
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Average
Avg Pass Rate
79%
67%
Top Schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond 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), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Frederick
MD
Richmond
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-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Frederick. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
28
Bike Score
45
52
Safety
Frederick is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 8% above Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% 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
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
16.8/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
8% above Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, 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. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Frederick or Richmond?
Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Richmond, standout schools include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Richmond has no direct Metro access.
Is Frederick or Richmond 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. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.