Market Overview
Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $507K), a difference of about $53K. Woodbridge moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Woodbridge offers a lower entry point at $145K–$2.9M.
Stafford
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Median Price
$560K
$507K
Avg Days on Market
27 days
22 days
Price Range
$108K–$1.3M
$145K–$2.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Dale City, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Potomac Mills
Schools
Stafford leads on school quality with a 77% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Stafford include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. In Woodbridge, families look to Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. See Stafford schools | See Woodbridge schools
Stafford
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
77%
73%
Top Schools
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Woodbridge High School, Gar-Field High School, Rippon Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Woodbridge is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610), Woodbridge (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 123).
Stafford
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Drive to Downtown
~55 min
~40 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 123
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $560K home in Stafford, you would pay ~$5,874/yr in property tax. In Woodbridge, a $507K home costs ~$5,222/yr. Woodbridge has the lower rate at $1.030 per $100 of assessed value.
Stafford
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Rate per $100
$1.049
$1.030
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,874/yr
$5,222/yr
Notes
None
Prince William County rate
Walkability
Woodbridge is more walkable with a Walk Score of 22 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Stafford (8) vs Woodbridge (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Aquia Harbour and Dale City score much higher than suburban areas.
Stafford
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
12
Bike Score
18
20
Safety
Woodbridge is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 11% below Virginia average. Stafford is rated "Safe" (31% below 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
Woodbridge
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
1.3/1K
Property Crime
10.8/1K
13.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
31% below Virginia average
11% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stafford or Woodbridge more affordable?
Woodbridge is more affordable with a median home price of $507K, 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. Woodbridge prices range from $145K–$2.9M.
Which has better schools, Stafford or Woodbridge?
Stafford has stronger schools overall, with a 77% average pass rate compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Stafford include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. In Woodbridge, standout schools include Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Stafford or Woodbridge?
Woodbridge has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Stafford has no direct Metro access. Woodbridge has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Stafford vs Woodbridge?
Stafford has a property tax rate of $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Woodbridge's rate is $1.030 per $100 (~$5,222/yr on a $507K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Stafford or Woodbridge better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. 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.