Market Overview
Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $710K), a difference of about $160K. Leesburg moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Herndon offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2.2M.
Herndon
VA
Leesburg
VA
Median Price
$710K
$870K
Avg Days on Market
23 days
22 days
Price Range
$175K–$2.2M
$150K–$5.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road
Schools
Leesburg leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Leesburg, families look to Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Herndon schools | See Leesburg schools
Herndon
VA
Leesburg
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
80%
88%
Top Schools
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).
Herndon
VA
Leesburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Herndon, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Leesburg, a $870K home costs ~$7,569/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Herndon
VA
Leesburg
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.870
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$7,569/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Leesburg. Transit scores: Herndon (28) vs Leesburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and Lansdowne score much higher than suburban areas.
Herndon
VA
Leesburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
10
Bike Score
45
42
Safety
Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% below Virginia average. Herndon is rated "Safe" (19% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Herndon
VA
Leesburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
7.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
19% below Virginia average
51% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herndon or Leesburg more affordable?
Herndon is more affordable with a median home price of $710K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.
Which has better schools, Herndon or Leesburg?
Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Leesburg, standout schools include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Herndon or Leesburg?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Leesburg has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Herndon vs Leesburg?
Herndon has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Leesburg's rate is $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Herndon or Leesburg better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.