Market Overview
Spotsylvania's median sold price is $500K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Stafford is at $545K and 36 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Stafford is pricier ($545K median vs $500K), a difference of about $45K. Stafford moves faster, with homes averaging 36 days on market compared to 41 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Spotsylvania
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$500K
$545K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
41 days
36 days
Price Range
$130K–$3M
$108K–$1.3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Spotsylvania has a 74% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Spotsylvania include Riverbend High School and Courtland High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Spotsylvania schools | See Stafford schools
Spotsylvania
VA
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
74%
77%
Public schools
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Stafford is closer to downtown at ~55 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Spotsylvania
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~70 min
~55 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $500K home in Spotsylvania, you would pay ~$4,300/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $545K home costs ~$5,717/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Spotsylvania
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$0.860
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,300/yr
$5,717/yr
Walkability
Stafford is more walkable with a Walk Score of 15 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Spotsylvania (6) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lee Hill and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Spotsylvania
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
6
8
Bike Score
15
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% below Virginia average. Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" (21% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Spotsylvania
VA
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.1/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
12.3/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
21% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spotsylvania or Stafford more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median sold price of $500K, compared to $545K in Stafford (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. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Spotsylvania and Stafford?
Spotsylvania public schools have a 74% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Spotsylvania include Riverbend High School and Courtland High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Spotsylvania or Stafford?
Stafford has the shorter commute to downtown at ~55 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Spotsylvania vs Stafford?
Spotsylvania has a property tax rate of $0.860 per $100 (~$4,300/yr on a $500K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,717/yr on a $545K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Spotsylvania and Stafford compare?
Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.