Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $640K), a difference of about $40K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 14 in Fairfax. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Alexandria
VA
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$680K
$640K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
14 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$350K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Alexandria schools | See Fairfax schools
Alexandria
VA
Fairfax
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
87%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Pass Rate
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. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Alexandria
VA
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Orange
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, 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 Fairfax, a $640K home costs ~$7,104/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Fairfax
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$7,104/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
28
Bike Score
64
42
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% 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
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Fairfax more affordable?
Fairfax is more affordable with a median home price of $640K, 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. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Fairfax?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley 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 Fairfax?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Fairfax?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Fairfax's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Alexandria and Fairfax compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.