City Comparison

Arlington vs Warrenton: How they compare

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $500K), a difference of about $250K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Warrenton offers a lower entry point at $225K–$2M.

Arlington

VA

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$750K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

10 days

28 days

Price Range

$350K–$2.5M

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Arlington schools | See Warrenton schools

Arlington

VA

Warrenton

VA

Avg Pass Rate

89%

78%

Public schools

Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

89%
78%

Commute

Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~60 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), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Arlington

VA

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~15 min

~60 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 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

None

None

Walkability

Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 32 in Warrenton. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

Arlington

VA

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

69Somewhat Walkable
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

72

28

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arlington or Warrenton more affordable?

Warrenton is more affordable with a median home price of $500K, 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. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Warrenton?

Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor 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 Warrenton?

Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

How do Arlington and Warrenton compare?

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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 July 2026.

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Arlington vs Warrenton: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover