City Comparison

Fairfax vs Leesburg: How they compare

Fairfax combines public-school access, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. The details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

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

These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.

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

35Car-Dependent
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

28

10

Bike Score

42

42

Reported Crime Data

The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Fairfax and Leesburg. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.

Fairfax

VA

Leesburg

VA

Reported Violent Crime

0.8/1K

0.5/1K

Reported Property Crime

10.2/1K

7.8/1K

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-school access, 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 lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records 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 September 2026.

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