City Comparison

Chantilly vs Leesburg: Which is right for your family?

Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $710K), a difference of about $160K. Chantilly moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Chantilly offers a lower entry point at $25K–$2.8M.

Chantilly

VA

Leesburg

VA

Median Price

$710K

$870K

Avg Days on Market

19 days

22 days

Price Range

$25K–$2.8M

$150K–$5.8M

Top Neighborhoods

Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields

Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road

Schools

Leesburg leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 85% in Chantilly. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Leesburg, families look to Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Chantilly schools | See Leesburg schools

Chantilly

VA

Leesburg

VA

Quality Tier

Excellent

Excellent

Avg Pass Rate

85%

88%

Top Schools

Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary

Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School

Pass Rate

85%
88%

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), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).

Chantilly

VA

Leesburg

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

Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway

Commuter Rail

None

None

Property Tax

On a $710K home in Chantilly, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Leesburg, a $870K home costs ~$7,569/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.

Chantilly

VA

Leesburg

VA

Rate per $100

$1.110

$0.870

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,881/yr

$7,569/yr

Notes

Fairfax County rate

Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165

Walkability

Leesburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 20 in Chantilly. Transit scores: Chantilly (12) vs Leesburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Sully Station and Lansdowne score much higher than suburban areas.

Chantilly

VA

Leesburg

VA

Walk Score

20Almost All Errands Require a Car
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

12

10

Bike Score

22

42

Safety

Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% 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

Leesburg

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Very Safe

Violent Crime

0.6/1K

0.5/1K

Property Crime

8.8/1K

7.8/1K

vs Virginia Avg

44% below Virginia average

51% below Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chantilly or Leesburg more affordable?

Chantilly is more affordable with a median home price of $710K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.

Which has better schools, Chantilly or Leesburg?

Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 85% in Chantilly. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Leesburg, standout schools include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Chantilly or Leesburg?

Chantilly has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport). Leesburg has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Chantilly vs Leesburg?

Chantilly has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Leesburg's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Chantilly or Leesburg better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.