Market Overview
Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Reston is at $591K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Reston is pricier ($591K median vs $275K), a difference of about $316K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 41 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Reston
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$275K
$591K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
41 days
26 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$250K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Baltimore schools | See Reston schools
Baltimore
MD
Reston
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
83%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Baltimore
MD
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $275K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$6,182/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $591K home costs ~$6,563/yr. Reston has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,182/yr
$6,563/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 45 in Reston. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
35
Bike Score
58
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Reston more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $591K in Reston (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Reston?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes 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 Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Reston?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$6,182/yr on a $275K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,563/yr on a $591K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Baltimore and Reston compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 August 2026.