Market Overview
Columbia's median sold price is $485K with homes averaging 24 days on market; Reston is at $591K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Reston is pricier ($591K median vs $485K), a difference of about $106K. Columbia moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 26 in Reston. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Columbia
MD
Reston
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$485K
$591K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
24 days
26 days
Price Range
$200K–$1.2M
$250K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Columbia has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Columbia include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Columbia schools | See Reston schools
Columbia
MD
Reston
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
83%
Public schools
Wilde Lake High School, Atholton High School, Hammond High School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Columbia (I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Columbia
MD
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175, Rt 32
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $485K home in Columbia, you would pay ~$4,918/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $591K home costs ~$6,563/yr. Columbia has the lower rate at $1.014 per $100 of assessed value.
Columbia
MD
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$1.014
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,918/yr
$6,563/yr
Notes
Howard County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Columbia. Transit scores: Columbia (18) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Wilde Lake and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Columbia
MD
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
35
Bike Score
42
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
18% below Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Reston more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median sold price of $485K, compared to $591K in Reston (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Columbia and Reston?
Columbia public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Columbia include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High 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, Columbia or Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Columbia has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Columbia vs Reston?
Columbia has a property tax rate of $1.014 per $100 (~$4,918/yr on a $485K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,563/yr on a $591K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Columbia and Reston compare?
Columbia is a master-planned community in Howard County, known for its village system, lakefront living, and area schools. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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 August 2026.