Market Overview
Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $560K), a difference of about $8K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Manassas
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$568K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
27 days
Price Range
$60K–$1.9M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Stafford leads on school quality with a 77% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Manassas schools | See Stafford schools
Manassas
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
72%
77%
Top Schools
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Manassas is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Manassas
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~55 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 610
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 Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
Manassas
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.204
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,839/yr
$5,874/yr
Walkability
Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Manassas (15) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town Manassas and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Manassas
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
8
Bike Score
35
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.8/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
7% above Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manassas or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Manassas or Stafford?
Stafford has stronger schools overall, with a 77% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Manassas or Stafford?
Manassas has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Manassas has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Manassas vs Stafford?
Manassas has a property tax rate of $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Manassas or Stafford 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. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.