Market Overview
Columbia's median sold price is $485K with homes averaging 23 days on market; Herndon is at $700K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Herndon is pricier ($700K median vs $485K), a difference of about $215K. Columbia moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 26 in Herndon. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Columbia
MD
Herndon
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$485K
$700K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
23 days
26 days
Price Range
$200K–$1.2M
$175K–$2.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Columbia has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Columbia include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Columbia schools | See Herndon schools
Columbia
MD
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
80%
Public schools
Wilde Lake High School, Atholton High School, Hammond High School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Columbia (I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Columbia
MD
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175, Rt 32
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $485K home in Columbia, you would pay ~$4,918/yr in property tax. In Herndon, a $700K home costs ~$7,770/yr. Columbia has the lower rate at $1.014 per $100 of assessed value.
Columbia
MD
Herndon
VA
Rate per $100
$1.014
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,918/yr
$7,770/yr
Notes
Howard County rate
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Columbia. Transit scores: Columbia (18) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Wilde Lake and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Columbia
MD
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
28
Bike Score
42
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Columbia is rated "Safe" (18% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Columbia
MD
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
18% below Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Herndon more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median sold price of $485K, compared to $700K in Herndon (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Columbia prices range from $200K–$1.2M. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Columbia and Herndon?
Columbia public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Columbia include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High 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, Columbia or Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Columbia has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
What are property taxes in Columbia vs Herndon?
Columbia has a property tax rate of $1.014 per $100 (~$4,918/yr on a $485K home). Herndon's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,770/yr on a $700K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Columbia and Herndon compare?
Columbia is a master-planned community in Howard County, known for its village system, lakefront living, and area schools. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 July 2026.