City Comparison

Henrico vs Reston: 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. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $370K), a difference of about $200K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Henrico. Henrico offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.2M.

Henrico

VA

Reston

VA

Median Price

$370K

$570K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

14 days

Price Range

$150K–$1.2M

$250K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Short Pump, Glen Allen, West End, Innsbrook

Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods

Schools

Reston leads on school quality with a 83% 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 Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Henrico schools | See Reston schools

Henrico

VA

Reston

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

78%

83%

Top Schools

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

South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary

Pass Rate

78%
83%

Commute

Henrico is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Henrico (I-64, I-95, I-295), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).

Henrico

VA

Reston

VA

Drive to Downtown

~15 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-95, I-295, Rt 250, Rt 33

Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Henrico or Reston more affordable?

Henrico is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Henrico prices range from $150K–$1.2M. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.

Which has better schools, Henrico or Reston?

Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 78% in Henrico. Top schools in Henrico include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen 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, Henrico or Reston?

Henrico has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Henrico has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).

Is Henrico or Reston 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. 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.