Market Overview
Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $420K), a difference of about $140K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$420K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
27 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Frederick leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Frederick schools | See Stafford schools
Frederick
MD
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
77%
Top Schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Stafford is closer to downtown at ~55 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Frederick
MD
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~60 min
~55 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 610
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
8
Bike Score
45
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
16.8/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
8% above Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Stafford more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $560K in Stafford. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Frederick or Stafford?
Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Stafford?
Stafford has the shorter commute to downtown at ~55 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
Is Frederick or Stafford 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. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.