Market Overview
Fairfax's median sold price is $765K with homes averaging 26 days on market; Leesburg is at $805K and 27 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Leesburg is pricier ($805K median vs $765K), a difference of about $40K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 27 in Leesburg. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Fairfax
VA
Leesburg
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$765K
$805K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
26 days
27 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$150K–$5.8M
Notable Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Leesburg has 88% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Leesburg, Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Fairfax schools | See Leesburg schools
Fairfax
VA
Leesburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
88%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill 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), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).
Fairfax
VA
Leesburg
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
Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $765K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$8,492/yr in property tax. In Leesburg, a $805K home costs ~$7,004/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Fairfax
VA
Leesburg
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.870
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$8,492/yr
$7,004/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165
Walkability
Leesburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Leesburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Lansdowne score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Leesburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
10
Bike Score
42
42
Safety
Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% 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
Leesburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
7.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
51% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Leesburg more affordable?
Fairfax is more affordable with a median sold price of $765K, compared to $805K in Leesburg (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. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Leesburg?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Leesburg has 88% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Leesburg, Tuscarora High School and Heritage 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 Leesburg?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Leesburg has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Leesburg?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$8,492/yr on a $765K home). Leesburg's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$7,004/yr on a $805K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Fairfax and Leesburg compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.