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
Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Charlottesville schools | See Herndon schools
Charlottesville
VA
Herndon
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
80%
Top 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.
Which has better schools, Charlottesville or Herndon?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Herndon, standout schools include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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).
Is Charlottesville or Herndon better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 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.