City Comparison

Burke vs Warrenton: 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. 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

Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $500K), a difference of about $257K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Warrenton offers a lower entry point at $225K–$2M.

Burke

VA

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$757K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

14 days

28 days

Price Range

$235K–$1.8M

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

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

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Burke leads on school quality with a 86% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Warrenton, families look to Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Burke schools | See Warrenton schools

Burke

VA

Warrenton

VA

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

86%

78%

Top Schools

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

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

86%
78%

Commute

Burke is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Burke

VA

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~35 min

~60 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy

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

Commuter Rail

VRE (Burke Centre station)

None

Walkability

Warrenton is more walkable with a Walk Score of 32 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Burke. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Burke Centre and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

Burke

VA

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

22Almost All Errands Require a Car
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

25

28

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burke or Warrenton more affordable?

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

Which has better schools, Burke or Warrenton?

Burke has stronger schools overall, with a 86% average pass rate compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary 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, Burke or Warrenton?

Burke has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Burke has no direct Metro access. Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

Is Burke or Warrenton 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. 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.