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 has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Ashburn schools | See Fairfax schools
Ashburn
VA
Fairfax
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
87%
Public 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
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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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Ashburn and Fairfax?
Ashburn public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley 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 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.
How do Ashburn and Fairfax compare?
Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.