City Comparison

Frederick vs Warrenton: Which is right for your family?

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Warrenton is pricier ($500K median vs $420K), a difference of about $80K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.

Frederick

MD

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$420K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

20 days

28 days

Price Range

$200K–$1M

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Frederick leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Warrenton, families look to Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Frederick schools | See Warrenton schools

Frederick

MD

Warrenton

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

79%

78%

Top Schools

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

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

79%
78%

Commute

Warrenton is closer to downtown at ~60 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Frederick

MD

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~60 min

~60 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

Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

None

Walkability

Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Warrenton. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

Frederick

MD

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

45

28

MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frederick or Warrenton more affordable?

Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $500K in Warrenton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

Which has better schools, Frederick or Warrenton?

Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Warrenton, standout schools include Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Warrenton?

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

Is Frederick or Warrenton 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. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.