Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $300K), a difference of about $380K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 24 in Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Alexandria
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Median Price
$680K
$300K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
24 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$150K–$600K
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. See Alexandria schools | See Harrisonburg schools
Alexandria
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
74%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 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), Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11).
Alexandria
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~10 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-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Harrisonburg more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, 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. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Harrisonburg?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Alexandria and Harrisonburg compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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.