City Comparison

Frederick vs Spotsylvania: How they compare

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Frederick's median sold price is $450K with homes averaging 34 days on market; Spotsylvania is at $500K and 41 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Spotsylvania is pricier ($500K median vs $450K), a difference of about $50K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 34 days on market compared to 41 in Spotsylvania. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.

Frederick

MD

Spotsylvania

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$450K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

34 days

41 days

Price Range

$200K–$1M

$130K–$3M

Notable Neighborhoods

Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge

Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate

Schools

Frederick has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Frederick schools | See Spotsylvania schools

Frederick

MD

Spotsylvania

VA

Avg Pass Rate

79%

74%

Public schools

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

Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School

Pass Rate

79%
74%

Commute

Frederick is closer to downtown at ~60 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).

Frederick

MD

Spotsylvania

VA

Drive to Downtown

~60 min

~70 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, Rt 1, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

Walkability

Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.

Frederick

MD

Spotsylvania

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
14Almost All Errands Require a Car

Transit Score

12

6

Bike Score

45

15

Safety

Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% 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

Spotsylvania

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Safe

Violent Crime

1.5/1K

1.1/1K

Property Crime

16.8/1K

12.3/1K

vs Virginia Avg

8% above Virginia average

21% below Virginia average

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frederick or Spotsylvania more affordable?

Frederick is more affordable with a median sold price of $450K, compared to $500K in Spotsylvania (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.

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

Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland 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 Spotsylvania?

Frederick has the shorter commute to downtown at ~60 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.

How do Frederick and Spotsylvania compare?

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.

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Frederick vs Spotsylvania: $450K vs $500K (2026) | smover