Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $477K), a difference of about $93K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Fredericksburg
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$477K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
29 days
14 days
Price Range
$151K–$3.8M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% 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 Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Reston schools
Fredericksburg
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
73%
83%
Top Schools
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Fredericksburg
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $477K home in Fredericksburg, you would pay ~$4,055/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Fredericksburg
VA
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$0.850
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,055/yr
$6,327/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Fredericksburg. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Fredericksburg
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
35
Bike Score
38
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.8/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
22.1/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
47% above Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fredericksburg or Reston more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Fredericksburg or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fredericksburg or Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Fredericksburg vs Reston?
Fredericksburg has a property tax rate of $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Fredericksburg or Reston 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. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.