Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $710K), a difference of about $40K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Herndon offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2.2M.
Arlington
VA
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$750K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
23 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Arlington schools | See Herndon schools
Arlington
VA
Herndon
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
80%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville 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. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Arlington
VA
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Silver
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Herndon, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Herndon
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 40 in Herndon. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
28
Bike Score
72
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% 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
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Herndon more affordable?
Herndon is more affordable with a median home price of $710K, 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. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Herndon?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Herndon, standout schools include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Herndon?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Herndon?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Herndon's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Herndon better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.