Market Overview
Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $520K), a difference of about $48K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 35 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Manassas
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Price
$568K
$520K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
35 days
Price Range
$60K–$1.9M
$130K–$3M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Spotsylvania leads on school quality with a 74% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Spotsylvania, families look to Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Manassas schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Manassas
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
72%
74%
Top Schools
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Manassas is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Manassas
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~70 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $568K home in Manassas, you would pay ~$6,839/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $520K home costs ~$4,472/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Manassas
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Rate per $100
$1.204
$0.860
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,839/yr
$4,472/yr
Walkability
Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Manassas (15) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town Manassas and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Manassas
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
6
Bike Score
35
15
Safety
Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% below Virginia average. Manassas is rated "Average" (7% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Manassas
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.8/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
7% above Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manassas or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median home price of $520K, compared to $568K in Manassas. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
Which has better schools, Manassas or Spotsylvania?
Spotsylvania has stronger schools overall, with a 74% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Spotsylvania, standout schools include Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Manassas or Spotsylvania?
Manassas has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Manassas has no direct Metro access. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Manassas vs Spotsylvania?
Manassas has a property tax rate of $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,472/yr on a $520K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Manassas or Spotsylvania better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.