Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $560K), a difference of about $60K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Ashburn
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$620K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
27 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Ashburn schools | See Stafford schools
Ashburn
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
77%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Ashburn is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Ashburn
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~55 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, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Ashburn
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$0.870
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,394/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate
None
Walkability
Ashburn is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
8
Bike Score
35
18
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Stafford is rated "Safe" (31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Stafford?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Stafford?
Ashburn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Stafford?
Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Ashburn or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.