Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $568K), a difference of about $142K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.
Herndon
VA
Manassas
VA
Median Price
$710K
$568K
Avg Days on Market
23 days
22 days
Price Range
$175K–$2.2M
$60K–$1.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Herndon schools | See Manassas schools
Herndon
VA
Manassas
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
72%
Top Schools
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Herndon
VA
Manassas
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~45 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
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Herndon, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $568K home costs ~$6,839/yr. Herndon has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Herndon
VA
Manassas
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.204
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$6,839/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
None
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Herndon (28) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Herndon
VA
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
15
Bike Score
45
35
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Manassas is rated "Average" (7% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Herndon
VA
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
19% below Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herndon or Manassas more affordable?
Manassas is more affordable with a median home price of $568K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
Which has better schools, Herndon or Manassas?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Herndon or Manassas?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Manassas has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Herndon vs Manassas?
Herndon has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Herndon or Manassas better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.