Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $520K), a difference of about $190K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 35 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Herndon
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Price
$710K
$520K
Avg Days on Market
23 days
35 days
Price Range
$175K–$2.2M
$130K–$3M
Top Neighborhoods
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Spotsylvania, families look to Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Herndon schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Herndon
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
74%
Top Schools
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Herndon
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~70 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-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Herndon, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $520K home costs ~$4,472/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Herndon
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.860
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$4,472/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 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Herndon (28) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Herndon
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
6
Bike Score
45
15
Safety
Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% 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
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
19% below Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herndon or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median home price of $520K, 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. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
Which has better schools, Herndon or Spotsylvania?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Spotsylvania, standout schools include Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Herndon or Spotsylvania?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Herndon vs Spotsylvania?
Herndon has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,472/yr on a $520K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Herndon or Spotsylvania better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.