Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $510K), a difference of about $60K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Reston
VA
Median Price
$510K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
14 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Annapolis schools | See Reston schools
Annapolis
MD
Reston
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
83%
Public schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Annapolis
MD
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$0.935
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$6,327/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 45 in Annapolis. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
35
Bike Score
52
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Reston more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Reston?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes 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 Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Reston?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Annapolis and Reston compare?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.