Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $480K), a difference of about $140K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 18 in Columbia. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Ashburn
VA
Columbia
MD
Median Price
$620K
$480K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
18 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$200K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Schools
Ashburn has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Columbia has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Columbia, Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. See Ashburn schools | See Columbia schools
Ashburn
VA
Columbia
MD
Avg Pass Rate
89%
87%
Public schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Wilde Lake High School, Atholton High School, Hammond High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Columbia is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Columbia (I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175).
Ashburn
VA
Columbia
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175, Rt 32
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Columbia, a $480K home costs ~$4,867/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Ashburn
VA
Columbia
MD
Rate per $100
$0.870
$1.014
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,394/yr
$4,867/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate
Howard County rate
Walkability
Columbia is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Columbia (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Wilde Lake score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Columbia
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
18
Bike Score
35
42
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Columbia is rated "Safe" (18% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Ashburn
VA
Columbia
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
1/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
18% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Columbia more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $620K in Ashburn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Columbia prices range from $200K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Ashburn and Columbia?
Ashburn public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Columbia has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Columbia, Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Columbia?
Columbia has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Columbia has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Columbia?
Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K home). Columbia's rate is $1.014 per $100 (~$4,867/yr on a $480K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Ashburn and Columbia compare?
Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Columbia is a master-planned community in Howard County, known for its village system, lakefront living, and area schools. 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 June 2026.