Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $420K), a difference of about $283K. Springfield moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$420K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
16 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Springfield leads on school quality with a 82% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Springfield, families look to West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Frederick schools | See Springfield schools
Frederick
MD
Springfield
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
82%
Top Schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Frederick
MD
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~60 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
N/A
Blue
Major Highways
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
28
Bike Score
45
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
16.8/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
8% above Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Springfield more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
Which has better schools, Frederick or Springfield?
Springfield has stronger schools overall, with a 82% average pass rate compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Springfield, standout schools include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Springfield?
Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
Is Frederick or Springfield 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. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.