City Comparison

Ashburn vs Leesburg: Which is right for your family?

Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $620K), a difference of about $250K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Ashburn offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.2M.

Ashburn

VA

Leesburg

VA

Median Price

$620K

$870K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

22 days

Price Range

$350K–$1.2M

$150K–$5.8M

Top Neighborhoods

Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun

Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road

Schools

Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 88% in Leesburg. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Leesburg, families look to Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Ashburn schools | See Leesburg schools

Ashburn

VA

Leesburg

VA

Quality Tier

Excellent

Excellent

Avg Pass Rate

89%

88%

Top Schools

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

Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School

Pass Rate

89%
88%

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), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).

Ashburn

VA

Leesburg

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

Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway

Commuter Rail

None

None

Property Tax

On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Leesburg, a $870K home costs ~$7,569/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.

Ashburn

VA

Leesburg

VA

Rate per $100

$0.870

$0.870

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$5,394/yr

$7,569/yr

Notes

Loudoun County rate

Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165

Walkability

Leesburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Leesburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Lansdowne score much higher than suburban areas.

Ashburn

VA

Leesburg

VA

Walk Score

28Car-Dependent
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

22

10

Bike Score

35

42

Safety

Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% 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

Leesburg

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Very Safe

Violent Crime

0.4/1K

0.5/1K

Property Crime

6.9/1K

7.8/1K

vs Virginia Avg

57% below Virginia average

51% below Virginia average

VA

Find agents in Ashburn

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Ashburn.

View top agents

VA

Find agents in Leesburg

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Leesburg.

View top agents

Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ashburn or Leesburg more affordable?

Ashburn is more affordable with a median home price of $620K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.

Which has better schools, Ashburn or Leesburg?

Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 88% in Leesburg. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Leesburg, standout schools include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Leesburg?

Ashburn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Leesburg has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Leesburg?

Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K home). Leesburg's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Ashburn or Leesburg better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.