Market Overview
Gainesville is pricier ($650K median vs $640K), a difference of about $10K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Gainesville. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Fairfax
VA
Gainesville
VA
Median Price
$640K
$650K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
16 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$350K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. See Fairfax schools | See Gainesville schools
Fairfax
VA
Gainesville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
80%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Gainesville High School, Battlefield High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Gainesville (I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55).
Fairfax
VA
Gainesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Gainesville. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Gainesville (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Heritage Hunt score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Gainesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
8
Bike Score
42
15
Safety
Gainesville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 46% below Virginia average. Fairfax is rated "Safe" (35% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Fairfax
VA
Gainesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
8.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
46% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Gainesville more affordable?
Fairfax is more affordable with a median home price of $640K, compared to $650K in Gainesville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Gainesville prices range from $350K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Gainesville?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Gainesville?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Gainesville has no direct Metro access.
How do Fairfax and Gainesville compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Gainesville is a booming community in western Prince William County along the I-66 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.
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 July 2026.