Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $420K), a difference of about $540K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$420K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
12 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Frederick has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Frederick schools | See Vienna schools
Frederick
MD
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
92%
Public schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Frederick
MD
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~60 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Frederick. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
30
Bike Score
45
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
16.8/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
8% above Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Vienna more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Frederick and Vienna?
Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
How do Frederick and Vienna compare?
Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.