Market Overview
Williamsburg is pricier ($370K median vs $355K), a difference of about $15K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Richmond
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Median Price
$355K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
18 days
28 days
Price Range
$125K–$1.5M
$150K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony
Schools
Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Richmond schools | See Williamsburg schools
Richmond
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
67%
84%
Top 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond or Williamsburg more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, compared to $370K in Williamsburg. 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.
Which has better schools, Richmond or Williamsburg?
Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Richmond include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High 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, 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.
Is Richmond or Williamsburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.