City Comparison

Ashburn vs Harrisonburg: How they compare

Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Ashburn's median sold price is $729K with homes averaging 29 days on market; Harrisonburg is at $353K and 15 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Ashburn is pricier ($729K median vs $353K), a difference of about $376K. Harrisonburg moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 29 in Ashburn. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.

Ashburn

VA

Harrisonburg

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$729K

$353K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

29 days

15 days

Price Range

$350K–$1.2M

$150K–$600K

Notable Neighborhoods

Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun

Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring

Schools

Ashburn has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. See Ashburn schools | See Harrisonburg schools

Ashburn

VA

Harrisonburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

89%

74%

Public schools

Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School

Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School

Pass Rate

89%
74%

Commute

Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 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), Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11).

Ashburn

VA

Harrisonburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~10 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-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ashburn or Harrisonburg more affordable?

Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $353K, 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. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Ashburn and Harrisonburg?

Ashburn public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Harrisonburg?

Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access.

How do Ashburn and Harrisonburg compare?

Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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.

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Ashburn vs Harrisonburg: $729K vs $353K (2026) | smover