Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $570K), a difference of about $110K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 14 in Reston. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Alexandria
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$680K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
14 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% 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 Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Alexandria schools | See Reston schools
Alexandria
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
78%
83%
Top Schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Alexandria
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Silver
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$6,327/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 45 in Reston. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
35
Bike Score
64
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Reston more affordable?
Reston is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, 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. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Reston?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Reston?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Alexandria or Reston better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.