Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $620K), a difference of about $60K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 16 in Ashburn. Ashburn offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.2M.
Alexandria
VA
Ashburn
VA
Median Price
$680K
$620K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
16 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$350K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Schools
Ashburn 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 Ashburn, families look to Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. See Alexandria schools | See Ashburn schools
Alexandria
VA
Ashburn
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
78%
89%
Top Schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway).
Alexandria
VA
Ashburn
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Silver
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Ashburn, a $620K home costs ~$5,394/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Ashburn
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.870
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$5,394/yr
Notes
None
Loudoun County rate
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Ashburn (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Broadlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Ashburn
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
22
Bike Score
64
35
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below 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
Ashburn
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
6.9/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
57% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Ashburn more affordable?
Ashburn is more affordable with a median home price of $620K, compared to $680K in Alexandria. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Ashburn?
Ashburn 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 Ashburn, standout schools include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Ashburn?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn).
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Ashburn?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Ashburn's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Alexandria or Ashburn better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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.