Market Overview
Gainesville is pricier ($650K median vs $600K), a difference of about $50K. Both cities average 16 days on market. Centreville offers a lower entry point at $245K–$3.1M.
Centreville
VA
Gainesville
VA
Median Price
$600K
$650K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
16 days
Price Range
$245K–$3.1M
$350K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Schools
Centreville has a 84% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. See Centreville schools | See Gainesville schools
Centreville
VA
Gainesville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
84%
80%
Public schools
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Gainesville High School, Battlefield High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Centreville is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Gainesville (I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55).
Centreville
VA
Gainesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Centreville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 25 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Gainesville. Transit scores: Centreville (15) vs Gainesville (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Centre Ridge and Heritage Hunt score much higher than suburban areas.
Centreville
VA
Gainesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
8
Bike Score
28
15
Safety
Gainesville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 46% below Virginia average. Centreville is rated "Very Safe" (42% 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
Gainesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
9.1/1K
8.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% below Virginia average
46% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centreville or Gainesville more affordable?
Centreville is more affordable with a median home price of $600K, compared to $650K in Gainesville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M. Gainesville prices range from $350K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Centreville and Gainesville?
Centreville public schools have a 84% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Centreville or Gainesville?
Centreville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Centreville has no direct Metro access. Gainesville has no direct Metro access.
How do Centreville and Gainesville compare?
Centreville offers spacious homes and residential neighborhoods at accessible price points. Gainesville is a booming community in western Prince William County along the I-66 corridor. 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.
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 June 2026.