Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $570K), a difference of about $180K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 14 in Reston. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Arlington
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$750K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
14 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 83% in Reston. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Arlington schools | See Reston schools
Arlington
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
83%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Arlington
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
Silver
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.
Arlington
VA
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$1.013
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,597/yr
$6,327/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 45 in Reston. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
35
Bike Score
72
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Reston more affordable?
Reston is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, 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. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Reston?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 83% in Reston. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Reston?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Arlington vs Reston?
Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Arlington or Reston better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.