City Comparison

Harrisonburg vs Herndon: How they compare

Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $300K), a difference of about $410K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 24 in Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.

Harrisonburg

VA

Herndon

VA

Median Price

$300K

$710K

Avg Days on Market

24 days

23 days

Price Range

$150K–$600K

$175K–$2.2M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring

Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster

Schools

Harrisonburg has a 74% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Harrisonburg schools | See Herndon schools

Harrisonburg

VA

Herndon

VA

Avg Pass Rate

74%

80%

Public schools

Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School

Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary

Pass Rate

74%
80%

Commute

Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).

Harrisonburg

VA

Herndon

VA

Drive to Downtown

~10 min

~35 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)

Metro Lines

N/A

Silver

Major Highways

I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42

Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harrisonburg or Herndon more affordable?

Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Harrisonburg and Herndon?

Harrisonburg public schools have a 74% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle 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, Harrisonburg or Herndon?

Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).

How do Harrisonburg and Herndon compare?

Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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 June 2026.

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Harrisonburg vs Herndon: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover