Market Overview
Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $750K), a difference of about $7K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 14 in Burke. Arlington offers a lower entry point at $350K–$2.5M.
Arlington
VA
Burke
VA
Median Price
$750K
$757K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
14 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$235K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 86% in Burke. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Burke, families look to Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. See Arlington schools | See Burke schools
Arlington
VA
Burke
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
89%
86%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy).
Arlington
VA
Burke
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Burke Centre station)
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Burke, a $757K home costs ~$8,403/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Burke
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$8,403/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 22 in Burke. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Burke (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Burke Centre score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Burke
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
15
Bike Score
72
25
Safety
Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% 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
Burke
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
8.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
49% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Burke more affordable?
Arlington is more affordable with a median home price of $750K, compared to $757K in Burke. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Burke?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 86% in Burke. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Burke, standout schools include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Burke?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Burke has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Burke?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Burke's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$8,403/yr on a $757K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Burke better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park, top-rated schools, and tree-lined neighborhoods. 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.