Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $450K), a difference of about $300K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 20 in Dumfries. Dumfries offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.
Arlington
VA
Dumfries
VA
Median Price
$750K
$450K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
20 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$200K–$750K
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Montclair, Potomac Club, Triangle, Cherry Hill
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Dumfries has 71% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Dumfries, Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. See Arlington schools | See Dumfries schools
Arlington
VA
Dumfries
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
71%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Forest Park High School, Graham Park Middle School, Leesylvania Elementary
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. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Dumfries (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234).
Arlington
VA
Dumfries
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~45 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-95, Rt 1, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Dumfries more affordable?
Dumfries is more affordable with a median home price of $450K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Dumfries prices range from $200K–$750K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Dumfries?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Dumfries has 71% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Dumfries, Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Dumfries?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Dumfries has no direct Metro access.
How do Arlington and Dumfries compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. 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 July 2026.