Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $355K), a difference of about $605K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Richmond
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$355K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
18 days
12 days
Price Range
$125K–$1.5M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Richmond schools | See Vienna schools
Richmond
VA
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
67%
92%
Top Schools
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Richmond
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 42 in Vienna. Transit scores: Richmond (28) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like The Fan and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Richmond
VA
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
30
Bike Score
52
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% below Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Richmond
VA
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
5.8/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
25.2/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
83% above Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond or Vienna more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Richmond or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Richmond or Vienna?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Richmond has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
Is Richmond or Vienna better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.