Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $300K), a difference of about $450K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 24 in Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Arlington
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Median Price
$750K
$300K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
24 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$150K–$600K
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. See Arlington schools | See Harrisonburg schools
Arlington
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
74%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~15 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), Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11).
Arlington
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~10 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-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Harrisonburg more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, 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. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Harrisonburg?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison 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 Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~15 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Arlington and Harrisonburg compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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.