Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $568K), a difference of about $72K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.
Fairfax
VA
Manassas
VA
Median Price
$640K
$568K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
22 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$60K–$1.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Fairfax schools | See Manassas schools
Fairfax
VA
Manassas
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
72%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Fairfax
VA
Manassas
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~45 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-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Property Tax
On a $640K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$7,104/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $568K home costs ~$6,839/yr. Fairfax has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Fairfax
VA
Manassas
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.204
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,104/yr
$6,839/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
None
Walkability
Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
15
Bike Score
42
35
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% below Virginia average. Manassas is rated "Average" (7% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Fairfax
VA
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Manassas more affordable?
Manassas is more affordable with a median home price of $568K, 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. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Manassas?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz 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 Manassas?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Manassas has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Manassas?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Fairfax and Manassas compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.