Market Overview
Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $310K), a difference of about $250K. Winchester moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Winchester offers a lower entry point at $150K–$700K.
Stafford
VA
Winchester
VA
Median Price
$560K
$310K
Avg Days on Market
27 days
25 days
Price Range
$108K–$1.3M
$150K–$700K
Top Neighborhoods
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Old Town, Stonewall Industrial, Kernstown, Meadow Branch
Schools
Stafford has a 77% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Stafford include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School. See Stafford schools | See Winchester schools
Stafford
VA
Winchester
VA
Avg Pass Rate
77%
75%
Public schools
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
John Handley High School, Daniel Morgan Middle School, Quarles Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Winchester is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610), Winchester (I-81, Rt 7, Rt 11).
Stafford
VA
Winchester
VA
Drive to Downtown
~55 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
I-81, Rt 7, Rt 11, Rt 50, Rt 522
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stafford or Winchester more affordable?
Winchester is more affordable with a median home price of $310K, 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. Winchester prices range from $150K–$700K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Stafford and Winchester?
Stafford public schools have a 77% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Stafford include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Stafford or Winchester?
Winchester has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Stafford has no direct Metro access. Winchester has no direct Metro access.
How do Stafford and Winchester compare?
Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. Winchester is a historic Shenandoah Valley city known for apple orchards, Civil War heritage, and a revitalized downtown. 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.
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 June 2026.