City Comparison

Arlington vs Woodbridge: Which is right for your family?

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. 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 $507K), a difference of about $243K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Woodbridge offers a lower entry point at $145K–$2.9M.

Arlington

VA

Woodbridge

VA

Median Price

$750K

$507K

Avg Days on Market

10 days

22 days

Price Range

$350K–$2.5M

$145K–$2.9M

Top Neighborhoods

Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City

Dale City, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Potomac Mills

Schools

Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Woodbridge, families look to Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. See Arlington schools | See Woodbridge schools

Arlington

VA

Woodbridge

VA

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

89%

73%

Top Schools

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

Woodbridge High School, Gar-Field High School, Rippon Middle School

Pass Rate

89%
73%

Commute

Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~40 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), Woodbridge (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 123).

Arlington

VA

Woodbridge

VA

Drive to Downtown

~15 min

~40 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

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 123

Commuter Rail

None

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

Property Tax

On a $750K home in Arlington, you would pay ~$7,597/yr in property tax. In Woodbridge, a $507K home costs ~$5,222/yr. Arlington has the lower rate at $1.013 per $100 of assessed value.

Arlington

VA

Woodbridge

VA

Rate per $100

$1.013

$1.030

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,597/yr

$5,222/yr

Notes

Includes $0.003 stormwater fee

Prince William County rate

Walkability

Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Woodbridge (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Dale City score much higher than suburban areas.

Arlington

VA

Woodbridge

VA

Walk Score

69Somewhat Walkable
22Almost All Errands Require a Car

Transit Score

57

12

Bike Score

72

20

Safety

Woodbridge is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 11% 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

Woodbridge

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Safe

Violent Crime

1.4/1K

1.3/1K

Property Crime

15.2/1K

13.8/1K

vs Virginia Avg

Near Virginia average

11% below Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arlington or Woodbridge more affordable?

Woodbridge is more affordable with a median home price of $507K, 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. Woodbridge prices range from $145K–$2.9M.

Which has better schools, Arlington or Woodbridge?

Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Woodbridge, standout schools include Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Woodbridge?

Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Woodbridge has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Arlington vs Woodbridge?

Arlington has a property tax rate of $1.013 per $100 (~$7,597/yr on a $750K home). Woodbridge's rate is $1.030 per $100 (~$5,222/yr on a $507K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Arlington or Woodbridge better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. 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.