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
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Charlottesville schools | See Reston schools
Charlottesville
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
83%
Top 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.
Which has better schools, Charlottesville or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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).
Is Charlottesville or Reston 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. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.