Market Overview
Richmond's median sold price is $389K with homes averaging 30 days on market; Williamsburg is at $515K and 45 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Williamsburg is pricier ($515K median vs $389K), a difference of about $126K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 30 days on market compared to 45 in Williamsburg. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Richmond
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$389K
$515K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
30 days
45 days
Price Range
$125K–$1.5M
$150K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony
Schools
Richmond has a 67% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Richmond schools | See Williamsburg schools
Richmond
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
67%
84%
Public schools
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).
Richmond
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~25 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-64, Rt 60, Rt 199
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 35 in Williamsburg. Transit scores: Richmond (28) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like The Fan and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.
Richmond
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
10
Bike Score
52
42
Safety
Williamsburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near 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
Williamsburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
5.8/1K
1.2/1K
Property Crime
25.2/1K
15.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
83% above Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Richmond
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Richmond.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Williamsburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Williamsburg.
View agentsDecided between Richmond and Williamsburg? See how buying a home works on smover.
Related Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond or Williamsburg more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median sold price of $389K, compared to $515K in Williamsburg (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 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. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Richmond and Williamsburg?
Richmond public schools have a 67% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill 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 Williamsburg?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Richmond has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Richmond and Williamsburg compare?
Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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 Jul 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.