Let the numbers do the talking.
Frederick, MD vs Greenbelt, MD
Frederick, MD vs Greenbelt, MD: What the data shows
Frederick, MD is in Frederick, MD while Greenbelt, MD is in Greenbelt, MD — both in the same state. On home prices, Greenbelt, MD is the more affordable option at $249,000 median — $135,700 less than Frederick, MD's $384,700. WYLT rates Frederick, MD as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Greenbelt, MD as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Frederick, MD has the stronger safety profile of the two. Frederick, MD has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Greenbelt, MD has Moderate violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Frederick, MD has Low flood risk and Greenbelt, MD has Low flood risk.
Greenbelt, MD is the more walkable neighborhood. Frederick, MD scores N/A/100 versus Greenbelt, MD's 39/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Greenbelt, MD has the higher school rating — Frederick, MD rates 6.5/10 and Greenbelt, MD rates 6.6/10.
| Category | Frederick, MD | Greenbelt, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $385K | $249K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $98K ✓ Higher income | $81K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 39/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 39/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 18/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 70 min | 25 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.5/10 | 6.6/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesSuburban livingYoung professionals with remote work | DC commutersYoung families on a budgetPublic‑transport users looking for nearby options |
Bottom line
If living in a suburban area with easy access to DC is a priority and you can handle a quiet downtown scene, Greenbelt, MD is the better choice due to its proximity to public transportation and lower housing costs. However, if you're a family or young professional looking for a more traditional suburban feel with solid schools and decent home prices, Frederick, MD might be the better fit.
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