Market Overview
Ashburn's median sold price is $729K with homes averaging 29 days on market; Gainesville is at $720K and 27 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Ashburn is pricier ($729K median vs $720K), a difference of about $9K. Gainesville moves faster, with homes averaging 27 days on market compared to 29 in Ashburn. Gainesville offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.2M.
Ashburn
VA
Gainesville
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$729K
$720K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
29 days
27 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$350K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Schools
Ashburn has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. See Ashburn schools | See Gainesville schools
Ashburn
VA
Gainesville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
80%
Public schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Gainesville High School, Battlefield High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Ashburn is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Gainesville (I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55).
Ashburn
VA
Gainesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~50 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-66, Rt 29, Rt 55
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Ashburn is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Gainesville. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Gainesville (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Heritage Hunt score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Gainesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
8
Bike Score
35
15
Safety
Gainesville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 46% below Virginia average. Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" (57% 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
Gainesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
8.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
46% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Gainesville more affordable?
Gainesville is more affordable with a median sold price of $720K, compared to $729K in Ashburn (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Gainesville prices range from $350K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Ashburn and Gainesville?
Ashburn public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield 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 Gainesville?
Ashburn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Gainesville has no direct Metro access.
How do Ashburn and Gainesville compare?
Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Gainesville is a booming community in western Prince William County along the I-66 corridor. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 August 2026.