City Comparison

Ashburn vs Manassas: Which is right for your family?

Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $568K), a difference of about $52K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.

Ashburn

VA

Manassas

VA

Median Price

$620K

$568K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

22 days

Price Range

$350K–$1.2M

$60K–$1.9M

Top Neighborhoods

Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

Schools

Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Ashburn schools | See Manassas schools

Ashburn

VA

Manassas

VA

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

89%

72%

Top Schools

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

Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary

Pass Rate

89%
72%

Commute

Manassas is closer to downtown at ~45 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), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).

Ashburn

VA

Manassas

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~45 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 28, Rt 234

Commuter Rail

None

VRE (Manassas line)

Property Tax

On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $568K home costs ~$6,839/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.

Ashburn

VA

Manassas

VA

Rate per $100

$0.870

$1.204

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$5,394/yr

$6,839/yr

Notes

Loudoun County rate

None

Walkability

Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.

Ashburn

VA

Manassas

VA

Walk Score

28Car-Dependent
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

22

15

Bike Score

35

35

Safety

Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Manassas is rated "Average" (7% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Ashburn

VA

Manassas

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Average

Violent Crime

0.4/1K

1.8/1K

Property Crime

6.9/1K

16.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

57% below Virginia average

7% above Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ashburn or Manassas more affordable?

Manassas is more affordable with a median home price of $568K, compared to $620K in Ashburn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.

Which has better schools, Ashburn or Manassas?

Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Manassas?

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

What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Manassas?

Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Ashburn or Manassas better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.