Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $355K), a difference of about $265K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Ashburn
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$620K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
18 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Richmond, families look to Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Ashburn schools | See Richmond schools
Ashburn
VA
Richmond
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Average
Avg Pass Rate
89%
67%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond 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), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Ashburn
VA
Richmond
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-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
28
Bike Score
35
52
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% 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
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, 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. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Richmond?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Richmond, standout schools include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Richmond has no direct Metro access.
Is Ashburn or Richmond better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.