City Comparison

Burke vs Severn: Which is right for your family?

Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park, top-rated schools, and tree-lined neighborhoods. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $430K), a difference of about $327K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Severn. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Burke

VA

Severn

MD

Median Price

$757K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

14 days

16 days

Price Range

$235K–$1.8M

$200K–$750K

Top Neighborhoods

Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Burke leads on school quality with a 86% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 77% in Severn. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Severn, families look to Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Burke schools | See Severn schools

Burke

VA

Severn

MD

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

86%

77%

Top Schools

Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

86%
77%

Commute

Burke is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Burke

VA

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~35 min

~40 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy

I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

VRE (Burke Centre station)

None

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burke or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median home price of $430K, compared to $757K in Burke. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

Which has better schools, Burke or Severn?

Burke has stronger schools overall, with a 86% average pass rate compared to 77% in Severn. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Severn, standout schools include Meade High School and Old Mill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Burke or Severn?

Burke has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Burke has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.

Is Burke or Severn better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park, top-rated schools, and tree-lined neighborhoods. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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.