Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $620K), a difference of about $20K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Ashburn. Ashburn offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.2M.
Ashburn
VA
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$620K
$640K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
14 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$350K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 87% in Fairfax. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Fairfax, families look to Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Ashburn schools | See Fairfax schools
Ashburn
VA
Fairfax
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
89%
87%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Ashburn
VA
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
Silver
Orange
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Fairfax, a $640K home costs ~$7,104/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Ashburn
VA
Fairfax
VA
Rate per $100
$0.870
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,394/yr
$7,104/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
28
Bike Score
35
42
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Fairfax is rated "Safe" (35% 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
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Ashburn
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Ashburn.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Fairfax
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Fairfax.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Fairfax more affordable?
Ashburn is more affordable with a median home price of $620K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Fairfax?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 87% in Fairfax. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Fairfax, standout schools include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Fairfax?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Fairfax?
Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K home). Fairfax's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Ashburn or Fairfax better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.