Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $560K), a difference of about $143K. Springfield moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Springfield
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$703K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
27 days
Price Range
$210K–$1.7M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Springfield leads on school quality with a 82% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Springfield include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Springfield schools | See Stafford schools
Springfield
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
82%
77%
Top Schools
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Springfield
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~55 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Blue
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $703K home in Springfield, you would pay ~$7,803/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
Springfield
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,803/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
None
Walkability
Springfield is more walkable with a Walk Score of 32 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Springfield (28) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like West Springfield and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Springfield
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
8
Bike Score
38
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% below Virginia average. Springfield is rated "Safe" (36% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Springfield
VA
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
10.1/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Springfield or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Springfield or Stafford?
Springfield has stronger schools overall, with a 82% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Springfield include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Springfield or Stafford?
Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield). Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Springfield vs Stafford?
Springfield has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,803/yr on a $703K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Springfield or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.