Market Overview
Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $750K), a difference of about $120K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Arlington offers a lower entry point at $350K–$2.5M.
Arlington
VA
Leesburg
VA
Median Price
$750K
$870K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
22 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$150K–$5.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 88% in Leesburg. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Leesburg, families look to Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Arlington schools | See Leesburg schools
Arlington
VA
Leesburg
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
89%
88%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~50 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), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).
Arlington
VA
Leesburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~50 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
Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Leesburg, a $870K home costs ~$7,569/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Leesburg
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$0.870
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$7,569/yr
Notes
Includes $0.003 stormwater fee
Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 38 in Leesburg. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Leesburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Lansdowne score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Leesburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
10
Bike Score
72
42
Safety
Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% 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
Leesburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
7.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
51% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Leesburg more affordable?
Arlington is more affordable with a median home price of $750K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Leesburg?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 88% in Leesburg. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Leesburg, standout schools include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Leesburg?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Leesburg has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Leesburg?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Leesburg's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Leesburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.