Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $570K), a difference of about $50K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Ashburn. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Ashburn
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$620K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
14 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 83% in Reston. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Ashburn schools | See Reston schools
Ashburn
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
83%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Ashburn
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
Silver
Silver
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Ashburn
VA
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$0.870
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,394/yr
$6,327/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
35
Bike Score
35
52
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Reston is rated "Safe" (27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Reston more affordable?
Reston is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, 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. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Reston?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 83% in Reston. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Reston?
Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Ashburn or Reston better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.