Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $570K), a difference of about $140K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Herndon
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$710K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
23 days
14 days
Price Range
$175K–$2.2M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Herndon schools | See Reston schools
Herndon
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
83%
Top Schools
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Herndon
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
Silver
Silver
Major Highways
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Herndon, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Herndon
VA
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$6,327/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 40 in Herndon. Transit scores: Herndon (28) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Herndon
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
35
Bike Score
45
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
19% below Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herndon or Reston more affordable?
Reston is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, 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. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Herndon or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle 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, Herndon or Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Herndon vs Reston?
Herndon has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Herndon or Reston better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.