City Comparison

Alexandria vs Burke: How they compare

Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park and tree-lined neighborhoods. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $680K), a difference of about $77K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 14 in Burke. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.

Alexandria

VA

Burke

VA

Median Price

$680K

$757K

Avg Days on Market

12 days

14 days

Price Range

$300K–$2M

$235K–$1.8M

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard

Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run

Schools

Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Burke has 86% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Burke, Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. See Alexandria schools | See Burke schools

Alexandria

VA

Burke

VA

Avg Pass Rate

78%

86%

Public schools

T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy

Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary

Pass Rate

78%
86%

Commute

Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy).

Alexandria

VA

Burke

VA

Drive to Downtown

~20 min

~35 min

Metro Stations

4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)

No Metro access

Metro Lines

Blue, Yellow

N/A

Major Highways

I-395, I-495, GW Parkway

I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

VRE (Burke Centre station)

Property Tax

On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Burke, a $757K home costs ~$8,403/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.

Alexandria

VA

Burke

VA

Rate per $100

$1.110

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,548/yr

$8,403/yr

Notes

None

Fairfax County rate

Walkability

Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 22 in Burke. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Burke (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Burke Centre score much higher than suburban areas.

Alexandria

VA

Burke

VA

Walk Score

57Somewhat Walkable
22Almost All Errands Require a Car

Transit Score

44

15

Bike Score

64

25

Safety

Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% 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

Burke

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

1.7/1K

0.5/1K

Property Crime

17.8/1K

8.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

15% above Virginia average

49% below Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alexandria or Burke more affordable?

Alexandria is more affordable with a median home price of $680K, compared to $757K in Burke. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Burke?

Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Burke has 86% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Burke, Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Burke?

Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Burke has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Burke?

Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Burke's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$8,403/yr on a $757K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Alexandria and Burke compare?

Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park and tree-lined neighborhoods. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

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 June 2026.

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Alexandria vs Burke: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover