Market Overview
Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $640K), a difference of about $230K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Fairfax
VA
Leesburg
VA
Median Price
$640K
$870K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
22 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$150K–$5.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road
Schools
Leesburg leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 87% in Fairfax. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Leesburg, families look to Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Fairfax schools | See Leesburg schools
Fairfax
VA
Leesburg
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
87%
88%
Top 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 $640K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$7,104/yr in property tax. In Leesburg, a $870K home costs ~$7,569/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
$7,104/yr
$7,569/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 home price of $640K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. 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.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Leesburg?
Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 87% in Fairfax. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Leesburg, standout schools include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Leesburg's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fairfax or Leesburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.