Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $300K), a difference of about $340K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 24 in Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Fairfax
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Median Price
$640K
$300K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
24 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$150K–$600K
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. See Fairfax schools | See Harrisonburg schools
Fairfax
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
74%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11).
Fairfax
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 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-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
Find agents in Fairfax
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Fairfax.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Harrisonburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Harrisonburg.
View agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Harrisonburg more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Harrisonburg?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Fairfax and Harrisonburg compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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 June 2026.