Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $420K), a difference of about $290K. Frederick moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$420K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
23 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Frederick has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Frederick schools | See Herndon schools
Frederick
MD
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
80%
Public schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Frederick
MD
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~60 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 40 in Herndon. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
28
Bike Score
45
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Frederick is rated "Average" (8% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Frederick
MD
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
16.8/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
8% above Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Herndon more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Frederick and Herndon?
Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Frederick or Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
How do Frederick and Herndon compare?
Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.
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 July 2026.