Market Overview
Fairfax's median sold price is $767K with homes averaging 25 days on market; Winchester is at $405K and 44 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Fairfax is pricier ($767K median vs $405K), a difference of about $362K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 44 in Winchester. Winchester offers a lower entry point at $150K–$700K.
Fairfax
VA
Winchester
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$767K
$405K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
25 days
44 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$150K–$700K
Notable Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Old Town, Stonewall Industrial, Kernstown, Meadow Branch
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School. See Fairfax schools | See Winchester schools
Fairfax
VA
Winchester
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
75%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
John Handley High School, Daniel Morgan Middle School, Quarles Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Winchester is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Winchester (I-81, Rt 7, Rt 11).
Fairfax
VA
Winchester
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 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-81, Rt 7, Rt 11, Rt 50, Rt 522
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Winchester more affordable?
Winchester is more affordable with a median sold price of $405K, 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. Winchester prices range from $150K–$700K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Winchester?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan 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 Winchester?
Winchester has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Winchester has no direct Metro access.
How do Fairfax and Winchester compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Winchester is a historic Shenandoah Valley city known for apple orchards, Civil War heritage, and a revitalized downtown. 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.