City Comparison

Stafford vs Williamsburg: Which is right for your family?

Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $370K), a difference of about $190K. Stafford moves faster, with homes averaging 27 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.

Stafford

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Median Price

$560K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

27 days

28 days

Price Range

$108K–$1.3M

$150K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek

Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony

Schools

Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Stafford include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Stafford schools | See Williamsburg schools

Stafford

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

77%

84%

Top Schools

North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

77%
84%

Commute

Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Stafford

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~55 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610

I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

Walkability

Williamsburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Stafford (8) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Aquia Harbour and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.

Stafford

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Walk Score

15Almost All Errands Require a Car
35Car-Dependent

Transit Score

8

10

Bike Score

18

42

Safety

Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% below Virginia average. Williamsburg is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Stafford

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Safety Rating

Safe
Average

Violent Crime

0.9/1K

1.2/1K

Property Crime

10.8/1K

15.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

31% below Virginia average

Near Virginia average

VA

Find agents in Stafford

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Stafford.

View top agents

VA

Find agents in Williamsburg

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Williamsburg.

View top agents

Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stafford or Williamsburg more affordable?

Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $560K in Stafford. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

Which has better schools, Stafford or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Stafford include North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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, Stafford or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Stafford has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.

Is Stafford or Williamsburg better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.