Market Overview
Harrisonburg's median sold price is $353K with homes averaging 15 days on market; Reston is at $591K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Reston is pricier ($591K median vs $353K), a difference of about $239K. Harrisonburg moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 26 in Reston. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Harrisonburg
VA
Reston
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$353K
$591K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
15 days
26 days
Price Range
$150K–$600K
$250K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Harrisonburg has a 74% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Harrisonburg schools | See Reston schools
Harrisonburg
VA
Reston
VA
Avg Pass Rate
74%
83%
Public schools
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Harrisonburg
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisonburg or Reston more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $353K, compared to $591K in Reston (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Harrisonburg and Reston?
Harrisonburg public schools have a 74% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes 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 Reston?
Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
How do Harrisonburg and Reston compare?
Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 August 2026.