Market Overview
Arlington's median sold price is $730K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Reston is at $592K and 25 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Arlington is pricier ($730K median vs $592K), a difference of about $138K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 37 in Arlington. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Arlington
VA
Reston
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$730K
$592K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
37 days
25 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$250K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Arlington schools | See Reston schools
Arlington
VA
Reston
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
83%
Public 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 $730K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,394/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $592K home costs ~$6,566/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
$7,394/yr
$6,566/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 sold price of $592K, compared to $730K in Arlington (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Reston?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes 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 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 (~$7,394/yr on a $730K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,566/yr on a $592K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Arlington and Reston compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.