City Comparison

Henrico vs Herndon: Which is right for your family?

Henrico County is a major Richmond suburb offering diverse neighborhoods from the urban-adjacent West End to the rural eastern reaches. 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 $370K), a difference of about $340K. Henrico moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Henrico offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.2M.

Henrico

VA

Herndon

VA

Median Price

$370K

$710K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

23 days

Price Range

$150K–$1.2M

$175K–$2.2M

Top Neighborhoods

Short Pump, Glen Allen, West End, Innsbrook

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 78% in Henrico. Top schools in Henrico include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Henrico schools | See Herndon schools

Henrico

VA

Herndon

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

78%

80%

Top Schools

Deep Run High School, Glen Allen High School, Mills Godwin High School

Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary

Pass Rate

78%
80%

Commute

Henrico is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Henrico (I-64, I-95, I-295), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).

Henrico

VA

Herndon

VA

Drive to Downtown

~15 min

~35 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)

Metro Lines

N/A

Silver

Major Highways

I-64, I-95, I-295, Rt 250, Rt 33

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 Henrico or Herndon more affordable?

Henrico is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Henrico prices range from $150K–$1.2M. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.

Which has better schools, Henrico or Herndon?

Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 78% in Henrico. Top schools in Henrico include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen 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, Henrico or Herndon?

Henrico has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Henrico has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).

Is Henrico or Herndon better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Henrico County is a major Richmond suburb offering diverse neighborhoods from the urban-adjacent West End to the rural eastern reaches. 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.