Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $600K), a difference of about $40K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Centreville. Centreville offers a lower entry point at $245K–$3.1M.
Centreville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$600K
$640K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
14 days
Price Range
$245K–$3.1M
$350K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Fairfax 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 Fairfax, families look to Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Centreville schools | See Fairfax schools
Centreville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
84%
87%
Top Schools
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Centreville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $600K home in Centreville, you would pay ~$6,660/yr in property tax. In Fairfax, a $640K home costs ~$7,104/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Centreville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,660/yr
$7,104/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Centreville (15) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Centre Ridge and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Centreville
VA
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
28
Bike Score
28
42
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% below Virginia average. Fairfax is rated "Safe" (35% 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
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
9.1/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% below Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centreville or Fairfax more affordable?
Centreville is more affordable with a median home price of $600K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Centreville or Fairfax?
Fairfax 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 Fairfax, standout schools include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Centreville or Fairfax?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Centreville has no direct Metro access. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Centreville vs Fairfax?
Centreville has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,660/yr on a $600K home). Fairfax's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Centreville or Fairfax better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.