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 has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Frederick schools | See Stafford schools
Frederick
MD
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
77%
Public 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Frederick and Stafford?
Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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 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.
How do Frederick and Stafford compare?
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 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.
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 June 2026.