Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $600K), a difference of about $80K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 16 in Centreville. Centreville offers a lower entry point at $245K–$3.1M.
Alexandria
VA
Centreville
VA
Median Price
$680K
$600K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
16 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$245K–$3.1M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Centreville has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Centreville, Centreville High School and Westfield High School. See Alexandria schools | See Centreville schools
Alexandria
VA
Centreville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
84%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 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), Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).
Alexandria
VA
Centreville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~40 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-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Centreville, a $600K home costs ~$6,660/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Centreville
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$6,660/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Centreville (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Centre Ridge score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Centreville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
15
Bike Score
64
28
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% 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
Centreville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
9.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
42% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Centreville more affordable?
Centreville is more affordable with a median home price of $600K, 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. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Centreville?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Centreville has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Centreville, Centreville High School and Westfield High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Centreville?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Centreville has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Centreville?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Centreville's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,660/yr on a $600K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Alexandria and Centreville compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Centreville offers spacious homes and residential neighborhoods at accessible price points. 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.