City Comparison

Harrisonburg vs Warrenton: How they compare

Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Warrenton is pricier ($500K median vs $300K), a difference of about $200K. Harrisonburg moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.

Harrisonburg

VA

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$300K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

24 days

28 days

Price Range

$150K–$600K

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Harrisonburg has a 74% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Harrisonburg schools | See Warrenton schools

Harrisonburg

VA

Warrenton

VA

Avg Pass Rate

74%

78%

Public schools

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

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

74%
78%

Commute

Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Harrisonburg

VA

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~10 min

~60 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

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

Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harrisonburg or Warrenton more affordable?

Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, compared to $500K in Warrenton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

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

Harrisonburg public schools have a 74% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor 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 Warrenton?

Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access. Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

How do Harrisonburg and Warrenton compare?

Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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 Warrenton: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover