Market Overview
Fairfax's median sold price is $767K with homes averaging 25 days on market; Springfield is at $690K and 22 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Fairfax is pricier ($767K median vs $690K), a difference of about $77K. Springfield moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 25 in Fairfax. Springfield offers a lower entry point at $210K–$1.7M.
Fairfax
VA
Springfield
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$767K
$690K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
25 days
22 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$210K–$1.7M
Notable Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Springfield has 82% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Springfield, West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Fairfax schools | See Springfield schools
Fairfax
VA
Springfield
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
82%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Fairfax
VA
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
Orange
Blue
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $767K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$8,514/yr in property tax. In Springfield, a $690K home costs ~$7,659/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Fairfax
VA
Springfield
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$8,514/yr
$7,659/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
28
Bike Score
42
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Springfield more affordable?
Springfield is more affordable with a median sold price of $690K, compared to $767K in Fairfax (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 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. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Springfield?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Springfield has 82% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Springfield, West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee 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 Springfield?
Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Springfield?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$8,514/yr on a $767K home). Springfield's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,659/yr on a $690K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Fairfax and Springfield compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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 Jul 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.