City Comparison

Manassas vs Williamsburg: Which is right for your family?

Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $370K), a difference of about $198K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.

Manassas

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Median Price

$568K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

22 days

28 days

Price Range

$60K–$1.9M

$150K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony

Schools

Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Manassas schools | See Williamsburg schools

Manassas

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

72%

84%

Top Schools

Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

72%
84%

Commute

Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Manassas

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234

I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

VRE (Manassas line)

None

Walkability

Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Williamsburg. Transit scores: Manassas (15) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town Manassas and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.

Manassas

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Walk Score

38Car-Dependent
35Car-Dependent

Transit Score

15

10

Bike Score

35

42

Safety

Williamsburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near 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

Williamsburg

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Average

Violent Crime

1.8/1K

1.2/1K

Property Crime

16.2/1K

15.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

7% above Virginia average

Near Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manassas or Williamsburg more affordable?

Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

Which has better schools, Manassas or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Williamsburg, standout schools include Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Manassas or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Manassas has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.

Is Manassas or Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.