Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $650K), a difference of about $30K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 16 in Gainesville. Gainesville offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.2M.
Alexandria
VA
Gainesville
VA
Median Price
$680K
$650K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
16 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$350K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. See Alexandria schools | See Gainesville schools
Alexandria
VA
Gainesville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
80%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Gainesville High School, Battlefield High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~50 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), Gainesville (I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55).
Alexandria
VA
Gainesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~50 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 29, Rt 55
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 18 in Gainesville. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Gainesville (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Heritage Hunt score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Gainesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
8
Bike Score
64
15
Safety
Gainesville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 46% 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
Gainesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
8.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
46% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Gainesville more affordable?
Gainesville is more affordable with a median home price of $650K, 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. Gainesville prices range from $350K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Gainesville?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield 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 Gainesville?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Gainesville has no direct Metro access.
How do Alexandria and Gainesville compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Gainesville is a booming community in western Prince William County along the I-66 corridor. 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 July 2026.