Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $477K), a difference of about $233K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Fredericksburg
VA
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$477K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
29 days
23 days
Price Range
$151K–$3.8M
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Herndon schools
Fredericksburg
VA
Herndon
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
73%
80%
Top Schools
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Fredericksburg
VA
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $477K home in Fredericksburg, you would pay ~$4,055/yr in property tax. In Herndon, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Fredericksburg
VA
Herndon
VA
Rate per $100
$0.850
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,055/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Walkability
Fredericksburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 40 in Herndon. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Fredericksburg
VA
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
28
Bike Score
38
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" (47% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Fredericksburg
VA
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.8/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
22.1/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
47% above Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fredericksburg or Herndon more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
Which has better schools, Fredericksburg or Herndon?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Herndon, standout schools include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fredericksburg or Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
What are property taxes in Fredericksburg vs Herndon?
Fredericksburg has a property tax rate of $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Herndon's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fredericksburg or Herndon better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.