Market Overview
Chantilly is pricier ($710K median vs $650K), a difference of about $60K. Gainesville moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Gainesville offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.2M.
Chantilly
VA
Gainesville
VA
Median Price
$710K
$650K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
16 days
Price Range
$25K–$2.8M
$350K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Schools
Chantilly leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Gainesville. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Gainesville, families look to Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. See Chantilly schools | See Gainesville schools
Chantilly
VA
Gainesville
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
85%
80%
Top 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?
Gainesville is more affordable with a median home price of $650K, compared to $710K in Chantilly. 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.
Which has better schools, Chantilly or Gainesville?
Chantilly has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 80% in Gainesville. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Gainesville, standout schools include Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Chantilly or Gainesville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Gainesville is a booming community in western Prince William County along the I-66 corridor. 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.