Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $225K), a difference of about $485K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$225K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
23 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Baltimore schools | See Herndon schools
Baltimore
MD
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
80%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Baltimore
MD
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $225K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$5,058/yr in property tax. In Herndon, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Herndon has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Herndon
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,058/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 40 in Herndon. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
28
Bike Score
58
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Baltimore is rated "Below Average" (135% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Baltimore
MD
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Baltimore
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Baltimore.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Herndon
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Herndon.
View agentsDecided between Baltimore and Herndon? See how buying a home works on smover.
Related Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Herndon more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Herndon?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Baltimore or Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Herndon?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K home). Herndon's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Herndon compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
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 July 2026.