Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $510K), a difference of about $200K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$510K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
23 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Annapolis schools | See Herndon schools
Annapolis
MD
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
80%
Public schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Annapolis
MD
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Herndon, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Herndon
VA
Rate per $100
$0.935
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 40 in Herndon. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
28
Bike Score
52
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Annapolis is rated "Below Average" (34% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Annapolis
MD
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Herndon more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Herndon?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; 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, Annapolis or Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Herndon?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Herndon's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Annapolis and Herndon compare?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. 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 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.