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
Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Baltimore schools | See Herndon schools
Baltimore
MD
Herndon
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
55%
80%
Top 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
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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.
Which has better schools, Baltimore or Herndon?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Herndon, standout schools include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Baltimore or Herndon better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 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.