Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $620K), a difference of about $90K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Ashburn offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.2M.
Ashburn
VA
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$620K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
23 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Ashburn schools | See Herndon schools
Ashburn
VA
Herndon
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
80%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Ashburn
VA
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
Silver
Silver
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Herndon, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Ashburn
VA
Herndon
VA
Rate per $100
$0.870
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,394/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
28
Bike Score
35
45
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Herndon is rated "Safe" (19% 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
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Herndon more affordable?
Ashburn is more affordable with a median home price of $620K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Herndon?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Herndon, standout schools include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Herndon?
Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K home). Herndon's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Ashburn or Herndon better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.