City Comparison

Ashburn vs Severn: Which is right for your family?

Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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 $430K), a difference of about $190K. Both cities average 16 days on market. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Ashburn

VA

Severn

MD

Median Price

$620K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

16 days

Price Range

$350K–$1.2M

$200K–$750K

Top Neighborhoods

Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 77% in Severn. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Severn, families look to Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Ashburn schools | See Severn schools

Ashburn

VA

Severn

MD

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

89%

77%

Top Schools

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

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

89%
77%

Commute

Severn is closer to downtown at ~40 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), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Ashburn

VA

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~40 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-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

Find agents in Ashburn

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Ashburn.

View top agents

MD

Find agents in Severn

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Severn.

View top agents

Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ashburn or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median home price of $430K, 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. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

Which has better schools, Ashburn or Severn?

Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 77% in Severn. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Severn, standout schools include Meade High School and Old Mill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Severn?

Severn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Severn has no direct Metro access.

Is Ashburn or Severn better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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.