Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $680K), a difference of about $23K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 16 in Springfield. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.
Alexandria
VA
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$680K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
16 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Springfield has 82% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Springfield, West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Alexandria schools | See Springfield schools
Alexandria
VA
Springfield
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
82%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
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. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Alexandria
VA
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
Blue
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Springfield, a $703K home costs ~$7,803/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Springfield
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$7,803/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
28
Bike Score
64
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Springfield more affordable?
Alexandria is more affordable with a median home price of $680K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Springfield?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Springfield has 82% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Springfield, West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee 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 Springfield?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Springfield?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Springfield's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,803/yr on a $703K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Alexandria and Springfield compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.