Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $680K), a difference of about $70K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 12 in Alexandria. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Median Price
$680K
$750K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
10 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$350K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Arlington, families look to Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. See Alexandria schools | See Arlington schools
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
78%
89%
Top Schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50).
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~15 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Arlington, a $750K home costs ~$7,597/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.013
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$7,597/yr
Notes
None
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 57 in Alexandria. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Arlington (57). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Ballston score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
57
Bike Score
64
72
Safety
Arlington is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near Virginia average. Alexandria is rated "Average" (15% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Alexandria
VA
Arlington
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
1.4/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
15.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Arlington more affordable?
Alexandria is more affordable with a median home price of $680K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Arlington?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Arlington, standout schools include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Arlington?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn).
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Arlington?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Arlington's rate is $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Alexandria or Arlington better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. 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.