Market Overview
Alexandria's median sold price is $675K with homes averaging 32 days on market; Herndon is at $700K and 27 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Herndon is pricier ($700K median vs $675K), a difference of about $25K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 27 days on market compared to 32 in Alexandria. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.
Alexandria
VA
Herndon
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$675K
$700K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
32 days
27 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$175K–$2.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Alexandria schools | See Herndon schools
Alexandria
VA
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
80%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
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 $675K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,493/yr in property tax. In Herndon, a $700K home costs ~$7,770/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
$7,493/yr
$7,770/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
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Alexandria and Herndon. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Alexandria
VA
Herndon
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.9/1K
Reported Property Crime
17.8/1K
12.8/1K
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Herndon more affordable?
Alexandria is more affordable with a median sold price of $675K, compared to $700K in Herndon (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Herndon?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson 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 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 (~$7,493/yr on a $675K home). Herndon's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,770/yr on a $700K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Alexandria and Herndon compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 September 2026.