Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $400K), a difference of about $310K. Charlottesville moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$400K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
23 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Charlottesville schools | See Herndon schools
Charlottesville
VA
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
80%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Charlottesville
VA
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 40 in Herndon. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
28
Bike Score
58
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Charlottesville is rated "Below Average" (32% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Charlottesville
VA
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Herndon more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Herndon?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Charlottesville or Herndon?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
How do Charlottesville and Herndon compare?
Charlottesville is a college town centered around the University of Virginia, with a walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia wine country. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology 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.