City Comparison

Warrenton vs Williamsburg: Which is right for your family?

Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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

Warrenton is pricier ($500K median vs $370K), a difference of about $130K. Both cities average 28 days on market. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.

Warrenton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Median Price

$500K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

28 days

28 days

Price Range

$225K–$2M

$150K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

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

Schools

Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Warrenton include Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Warrenton schools | See Williamsburg schools

Warrenton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

78%

84%

Top Schools

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

78%
84%

Commute

Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Warrenton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~60 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

None

None

Walkability

Williamsburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Warrenton. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town Warrenton and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.

Warrenton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Walk Score

32Car-Dependent
35Car-Dependent

Bike Score

28

42

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Warrenton or Williamsburg more affordable?

Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $500K in Warrenton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

Which has better schools, Warrenton or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Warrenton include Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle 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, Warrenton or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Warrenton has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.

Is Warrenton or Williamsburg better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.