Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $640K), a difference of about $70K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Fairfax
VA
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$640K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
23 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Fairfax schools | See Herndon schools
Fairfax
VA
Herndon
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
87%
80%
Top Schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Fairfax
VA
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
Orange
Silver
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $640K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$7,104/yr in property tax. In Herndon, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Fairfax
VA
Herndon
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,104/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
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 Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
28
Bike Score
42
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% 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
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Herndon more affordable?
Fairfax is more affordable with a median home price of $640K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Herndon?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Herndon, standout schools include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Herndon?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Herndon's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fairfax or Herndon better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.