City Comparison

Frederick vs Woodbridge: Which is right for your family?

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Woodbridge is pricier ($507K median vs $420K), a difference of about $87K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.

Frederick

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Median Price

$420K

$507K

Avg Days on Market

20 days

22 days

Price Range

$200K–$1M

$145K–$2.9M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge

Dale City, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Potomac Mills

Schools

Frederick leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Woodbridge, families look to Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. See Frederick schools | See Woodbridge schools

Frederick

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

79%

73%

Top Schools

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

Woodbridge High School, Gar-Field High School, Rippon Middle School

Pass Rate

79%
73%

Commute

Woodbridge is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Woodbridge (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 123).

Frederick

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Drive to Downtown

~60 min

~40 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 123

Commuter Rail

MARC (Brunswick Line)

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

Walkability

Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Woodbridge (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Dale City score much higher than suburban areas.

Frederick

MD

Woodbridge

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
22Almost All Errands Require a Car

Transit Score

12

12

Bike Score

45

20

Safety

Woodbridge is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 11% 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

Woodbridge

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Safe

Violent Crime

1.5/1K

1.3/1K

Property Crime

16.8/1K

13.8/1K

vs Virginia Avg

8% above Virginia average

11% below Virginia average

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frederick or Woodbridge more affordable?

Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $507K in Woodbridge. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Woodbridge prices range from $145K–$2.9M.

Which has better schools, Frederick or Woodbridge?

Frederick has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Woodbridge, standout schools include Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Woodbridge?

Woodbridge has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Woodbridge has no direct Metro access.

Is Frederick or Woodbridge 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. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. 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.