City Comparison

Alexandria vs Leesburg: How they compare

Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $680K), a difference of about $190K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.

Alexandria

VA

Leesburg

VA

Median Price

$680K

$870K

Avg Days on Market

12 days

22 days

Price Range

$300K–$2M

$150K–$5.8M

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard

Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road

Schools

Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Leesburg has 88% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Leesburg, Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Alexandria schools | See Leesburg schools

Alexandria

VA

Leesburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

78%

88%

Public schools

T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy

Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School

Pass Rate

78%
88%

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), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).

Alexandria

VA

Leesburg

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

Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

Property Tax

On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Leesburg, a $870K home costs ~$7,569/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.

Alexandria

VA

Leesburg

VA

Rate per $100

$1.110

$0.870

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,548/yr

$7,569/yr

Notes

None

Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165

Walkability

Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 38 in Leesburg. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Leesburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Lansdowne score much higher than suburban areas.

Alexandria

VA

Leesburg

VA

Walk Score

57Somewhat Walkable
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

44

10

Bike Score

64

42

Safety

Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% 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

Leesburg

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

1.7/1K

0.5/1K

Property Crime

17.8/1K

7.8/1K

vs Virginia Avg

15% above Virginia average

51% below Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alexandria or Leesburg more affordable?

Alexandria is more affordable with a median home price of $680K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Leesburg?

Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Leesburg has 88% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Leesburg, Tuscarora High School and Heritage 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 Leesburg?

Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Leesburg has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Leesburg?

Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Leesburg's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Alexandria and Leesburg compare?

Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.

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Alexandria vs Leesburg: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover