Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $507K), a difference of about $133K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Woodbridge offers a lower entry point at $145K–$2.9M.
Fairfax
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Median Price
$640K
$507K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
22 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$145K–$2.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Dale City, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Potomac Mills
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Woodbridge, families look to Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. See Fairfax schools | See Woodbridge schools
Fairfax
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
87%
73%
Top Schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Woodbridge High School, Gar-Field High School, Rippon Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Woodbridge (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 123).
Fairfax
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~40 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-95, Rt 1, Rt 123
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $640K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$7,104/yr in property tax. In Woodbridge, a $507K home costs ~$5,222/yr. Woodbridge has the lower rate at $1.030 per $100 of assessed value.
Fairfax
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.030
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,104/yr
$5,222/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Prince William County rate
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Woodbridge (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Dale City score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
12
Bike Score
42
20
Safety
Woodbridge is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 11% 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
Woodbridge
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.3/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
13.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
11% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Woodbridge more affordable?
Woodbridge is more affordable with a median home price of $507K, 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. Woodbridge prices range from $145K–$2.9M.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Woodbridge?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Woodbridge, standout schools include Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Woodbridge?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Woodbridge has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Woodbridge?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Woodbridge's rate is $1.030 per $100 (~$5,222/yr on a $507K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fairfax or Woodbridge better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. 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.