Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $255K), a difference of about $455K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.
Hampton
VA
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$255K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
23 days
Price Range
$80K–$650K
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe
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 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Hampton schools | See Herndon schools
Hampton
VA
Herndon
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
65%
80%
Top Schools
Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Hampton
VA
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~25 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-64, I-664, Rt 258
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
None
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Hampton is rated "Below Average" (42% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Hampton
VA
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
3.8/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
20.2/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% above Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hampton or Herndon more affordable?
Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
Which has better schools, Hampton or Herndon?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High 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, Hampton or Herndon?
Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Hampton has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
Is Hampton or Herndon better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.