Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $420K), a difference of about $150K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Reston
VA
Median Price
$420K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
14 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Frederick schools | See Reston schools
Frederick
MD
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
83%
Top Schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Frederick
MD
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~60 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
None
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Frederick. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
35
Bike Score
45
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
16.8/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
8% above Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Reston more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Frederick or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High 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, Frederick or Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
Is Frederick or Reston better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.