Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $255K), a difference of about $315K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.
Hampton
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$255K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
14 days
Price Range
$80K–$650K
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Hampton schools | See Reston schools
Hampton
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
65%
83%
Top Schools
Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Hampton
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~25 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-64, I-664, Rt 258
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
3.8/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
20.2/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% above Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Hampton
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Hampton.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Reston
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Reston.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hampton or Reston more affordable?
Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Hampton or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus 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, Hampton or Reston?
Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Hampton has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
Is Hampton or Reston 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. 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.