Market Overview
Arlington's median sold price is $730K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Ashburn is at $733K and 28 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Ashburn is pricier ($733K median vs $730K), a difference of about $4K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 28 days on market compared to 37 in Arlington. Arlington offers a lower entry point at $350K–$2.5M.
Arlington
VA
Ashburn
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$730K
$733K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
37 days
28 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$350K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Ashburn has 89% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Ashburn, Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. See Arlington schools | See Ashburn schools
Arlington
VA
Ashburn
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
89%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway).
Arlington
VA
Ashburn
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Silver
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $730K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,394/yr in property tax. In Ashburn, a $733K home costs ~$6,381/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Ashburn
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$0.870
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,394/yr
$6,381/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Loudoun County rate
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Ashburn (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Broadlands score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Ashburn
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
22
Bike Score
72
35
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Arlington is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Arlington
VA
Ashburn
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
6.9/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
57% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Ashburn more affordable?
Arlington is more affordable with a median sold price of $730K, compared to $733K in Ashburn (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Ashburn?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Ashburn has 89% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Ashburn, Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Ashburn?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn).
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Ashburn?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,394/yr on a $730K home). Ashburn's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$6,381/yr on a $733K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Arlington and Ashburn compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.