City Comparison

Arlington vs Centreville: How they compare

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Centreville offers spacious homes and residential neighborhoods at accessible price points. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Arlington's median sold price is $727K with homes averaging 38 days on market; Centreville is at $579K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Arlington is pricier ($727K median vs $579K), a difference of about $148K. Centreville moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 38 in Arlington. Centreville offers a lower entry point at $245K–$3.1M.

Arlington

VA

Centreville

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$727K

$579K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

38 days

26 days

Price Range

$350K–$2.5M

$245K–$3.1M

Notable Neighborhoods

Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City

Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run

Schools

Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Centreville has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Centreville, Centreville High School and Westfield High School. See Arlington schools | See Centreville schools

Arlington

VA

Centreville

VA

Avg Pass Rate

89%

84%

Public schools

Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School

Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School

Pass Rate

89%
84%

Commute

Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~40 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), Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).

Arlington

VA

Centreville

VA

Drive to Downtown

~15 min

~40 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-66, Rt 28, Rt 29

Commuter Rail

None

None

Property Tax

On a $727K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,365/yr in property tax. In Centreville, a $579K home costs ~$6,427/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.

Arlington

VA

Centreville

VA

Rate per $100

$1.013

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,365/yr

$6,427/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 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Centreville (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Centre Ridge score much higher than suburban areas.

Arlington

VA

Centreville

VA

Walk Score

69Somewhat Walkable
25Car-Dependent

Transit Score

57

15

Bike Score

72

28

Safety

Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% 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

Centreville

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

1.4/1K

0.7/1K

Property Crime

15.2/1K

9.1/1K

vs Virginia Avg

Near Virginia average

42% below Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arlington or Centreville more affordable?

Centreville is more affordable with a median sold price of $579K, compared to $727K in Arlington (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Centreville?

Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Centreville has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Centreville, Centreville High School and Westfield 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 Centreville?

Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Centreville has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Arlington vs Centreville?

Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,365/yr on a $727K home). Centreville's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,427/yr on a $579K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Arlington and Centreville compare?

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Centreville offers spacious homes and residential neighborhoods at accessible price points. 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 Aug 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.

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Arlington vs Centreville: $727K vs $579K (2026) | smover