City Comparison

Dumfries vs Warrenton: Which is right for your family?

Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Warrenton is pricier ($500K median vs $450K), a difference of about $50K. Dumfries moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Dumfries offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Dumfries

VA

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$450K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

20 days

28 days

Price Range

$200K–$750K

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

Montclair, Potomac Club, Triangle, Cherry Hill

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Warrenton leads on school quality with a 78% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 71% in Dumfries. Top schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. In Warrenton, families look to Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Dumfries schools | See Warrenton schools

Dumfries

VA

Warrenton

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

71%

78%

Top Schools

Forest Park High School, Graham Park Middle School, Leesylvania Elementary

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

71%
78%

Commute

Dumfries is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Dumfries (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Dumfries

VA

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~60 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234

Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dumfries or Warrenton more affordable?

Dumfries is more affordable with a median home price of $450K, compared to $500K in Warrenton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Dumfries prices range from $200K–$750K. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

Which has better schools, Dumfries or Warrenton?

Warrenton has stronger schools overall, with a 78% average pass rate compared to 71% in Dumfries. Top schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. In Warrenton, standout schools include Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Dumfries or Warrenton?

Dumfries has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Dumfries has no direct Metro access. Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

Is Dumfries or Warrenton better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.