City Comparison

Annandale vs Fairfax: Which is right for your family?

Annandale is one of Northern Virginia's most diverse communities, celebrated for its international dining scene. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Annandale is pricier ($785K median vs $640K), a difference of about $145K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 19 in Annandale. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.

Annandale

VA

Fairfax

VA

Median Price

$785K

$640K

Avg Days on Market

19 days

14 days

Price Range

$174K–$2.2M

$350K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Ravensworth, Heritage Hill, Wakefield Chapel Estates, Camelot

Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills

VA

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VA

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Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annandale or Fairfax more affordable?

Fairfax is more affordable with a median home price of $640K, compared to $785K in Annandale. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annandale prices range from $174K–$2.2M. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.

Is Annandale or Fairfax better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Annandale is one of Northern Virginia's most diverse communities, celebrated for its international dining scene. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.