Market Overview
Richmond's median sold price is $390K with homes averaging 31 days on market; Vienna is at $1.1M and 31 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Vienna is pricier ($1.1M median vs $390K), a difference of about $733K. Both cities average 31 days on market. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Richmond
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$390K
$1.1M
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
31 days
31 days
Price Range
$125K–$1.5M
$500K–$2.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Richmond has a 67% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Richmond schools | See Vienna schools
Richmond
VA
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
67%
92%
Public 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 sold price of $390K, compared to $1.1M in Vienna (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Richmond and Vienna?
Richmond public schools have a 67% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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).
How do Richmond and Vienna compare?
Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 August 2026.