Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $640K), a difference of about $63K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Springfield. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Fairfax
VA
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$640K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
16 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 82% in Springfield. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Springfield, families look to West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Fairfax schools | See Springfield schools
Fairfax
VA
Springfield
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
87%
82%
Top 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 $640K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$7,104/yr in property tax. In Springfield, a $703K home costs ~$7,803/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
$7,104/yr
$7,803/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
Find agents in Fairfax
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Fairfax.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Springfield
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Springfield.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Springfield more affordable?
Fairfax is more affordable with a median home price of $640K, compared to $703K in Springfield. 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.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Springfield?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 82% in Springfield. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Springfield, standout schools include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Springfield's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,803/yr on a $703K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fairfax or Springfield better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent 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 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.