Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $400K), a difference of about $170K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Charlottesville
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$400K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
14 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Charlottesville schools | See Reston schools
Charlottesville
VA
Reston
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
83%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Charlottesville
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 45 in Reston. Transit scores: Charlottesville (18) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Mall and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Charlottesville
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
35
Bike Score
58
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Reston more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Reston?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes 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 Reston?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
How do Charlottesville and Reston 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. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.