City Comparison

Richmond vs Severn: How they compare

Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Severn is pricier ($430K median vs $355K), a difference of about $75K. Severn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.

Richmond

VA

Severn

MD

Median Price

$355K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

18 days

16 days

Price Range

$125K–$1.5M

$200K–$750K

Top Neighborhoods

The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Richmond has a 67% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Richmond schools | See Severn schools

Richmond

VA

Severn

MD

Avg Pass Rate

67%

77%

Public schools

Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

67%
77%

Commute

Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Richmond

VA

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~10 min

~40 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301

I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Richmond or Severn more affordable?

Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, compared to $430K in Severn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Richmond and Severn?

Richmond public schools have a 67% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Richmond or Severn?

Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Richmond has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.

How do Richmond and Severn compare?

Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

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 June 2026.

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Richmond vs Severn: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover