Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $680K), a difference of about $30K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.
Alexandria
VA
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$680K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
23 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Alexandria schools | See Herndon schools
Alexandria
VA
Herndon
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
78%
80%
Top Schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
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. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Alexandria
VA
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Silver
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Herndon, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Herndon
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 40 in Herndon. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
28
Bike Score
64
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% 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
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Herndon more affordable?
Alexandria is more affordable with a median home price of $680K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Herndon?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Herndon, standout schools include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Herndon?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Herndon?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Herndon's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Alexandria or Herndon better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
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 March 2026.