Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $520K), a difference of about $440K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 35 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Spotsylvania
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$520K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
35 days
12 days
Price Range
$130K–$3M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Spotsylvania include Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Spotsylvania schools | See Vienna schools
Spotsylvania
VA
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
74%
92%
Top Schools
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Spotsylvania
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~70 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $520K home in Spotsylvania, you would pay ~$4,472/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Spotsylvania
VA
Vienna
VA
Rate per $100
$0.860
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,472/yr
$10,656/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Spotsylvania (6) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lee Hill and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Spotsylvania
VA
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
6
30
Bike Score
15
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.1/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
12.3/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
21% below Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Spotsylvania
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Spotsylvania.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Vienna
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Vienna.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spotsylvania or Vienna more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median home price of $520K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Spotsylvania or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Spotsylvania include Riverbend High School and Courtland 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, Spotsylvania or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Spotsylvania vs Vienna?
Spotsylvania has a property tax rate of $0.860 per $100 (~$4,472/yr on a $520K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Spotsylvania or Vienna better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.