Market Overview
Chantilly's median sold price is $700K with homes averaging 24 days on market; Gainesville is at $725K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Gainesville is pricier ($725K median vs $700K), a difference of about $25K. Chantilly moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 26 in Gainesville. Chantilly offers a lower entry point at $25K–$2.8M.
Chantilly
VA
Gainesville
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$700K
$725K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
24 days
26 days
Price Range
$25K–$2.8M
$350K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Schools
Chantilly has a 85% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. See Chantilly schools | See Gainesville schools
Chantilly
VA
Gainesville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
85%
80%
Public schools
Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary
Gainesville High School, Battlefield High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Chantilly is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Major highway access: Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50), Gainesville (I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55).
Chantilly
VA
Gainesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Dulles Airport)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50
I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Chantilly is more walkable with a Walk Score of 20 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 18 in Gainesville. Transit scores: Chantilly (12) vs Gainesville (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Sully Station and Heritage Hunt score much higher than suburban areas.
Chantilly
VA
Gainesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
8
Bike Score
22
15
Safety
Gainesville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 46% below Virginia average. Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" (44% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Chantilly
VA
Gainesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
8.8/1K
8.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
44% below Virginia average
46% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chantilly or Gainesville more affordable?
Chantilly is more affordable with a median sold price of $700K, compared to $725K in Gainesville (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M. Gainesville prices range from $350K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chantilly and Gainesville?
Chantilly public schools have a 85% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle 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, Chantilly or Gainesville?
Chantilly has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport). Gainesville has no direct Metro access.
How do Chantilly and Gainesville compare?
Chantilly offers spacious homes and public schools in western Fairfax County. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.