City Comparison

Ashburn vs Warrenton: Which is right for your family?

Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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 $500K), a difference of about $120K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Warrenton offers a lower entry point at $225K–$2M.

Ashburn

VA

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$620K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

28 days

Price Range

$350K–$1.2M

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Warrenton, families look to Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Ashburn schools | See Warrenton schools

Ashburn

VA

Warrenton

VA

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

89%

78%

Top Schools

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

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

89%
78%

Commute

Ashburn is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Ashburn

VA

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~60 min

Metro Stations

2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)

No Metro access

Metro Lines

Silver

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway

Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

None

None

Walkability

Warrenton is more walkable with a Walk Score of 32 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

Ashburn

VA

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

28Car-Dependent
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

35

28

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ashburn or Warrenton more affordable?

Warrenton is more affordable with a median home price of $500K, 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. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

Which has better schools, Ashburn or Warrenton?

Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Warrenton, standout schools include Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Warrenton?

Ashburn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

Is Ashburn or Warrenton better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.