Market Overview
Centreville is pricier ($600K median vs $480K), a difference of about $120K. Centreville moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 18 in Columbia. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Centreville
VA
Columbia
MD
Median Price
$600K
$480K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
18 days
Price Range
$245K–$3.1M
$200K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Schools
Columbia leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 84% in Centreville. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Columbia, families look to Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. See Centreville schools | See Columbia schools
Centreville
VA
Columbia
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
84%
87%
Top Schools
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Wilde Lake High School, Atholton High School, Hammond High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Centreville is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Columbia (I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175).
Centreville
VA
Columbia
MD
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175, Rt 32
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $600K home in Centreville, you would pay ~$6,660/yr in property tax. In Columbia, a $480K home costs ~$4,867/yr. Columbia has the lower rate at $1.014 per $100 of assessed value.
Centreville
VA
Columbia
MD
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.014
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,660/yr
$4,867/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Howard County rate
Walkability
Columbia is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Centreville (15) vs Columbia (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Centre Ridge and Wilde Lake score much higher than suburban areas.
Centreville
VA
Columbia
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
18
Bike Score
28
42
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% below Virginia average. Columbia is rated "Safe" (18% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Centreville
VA
Columbia
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
1/1K
Property Crime
9.1/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% below Virginia average
18% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centreville or Columbia more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $600K in Centreville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M. Columbia prices range from $200K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Centreville or Columbia?
Columbia has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 84% in Centreville. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Columbia, standout schools include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Centreville or Columbia?
Centreville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Centreville has no direct Metro access. Columbia has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Centreville vs Columbia?
Centreville has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,660/yr on a $600K home). Columbia's rate is $1.014 per $100 (~$4,867/yr on a $480K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Centreville or Columbia better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. Columbia is a master-planned community in Howard County, known for its village system, lakefront living, and consistently top-ranked schools. 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.