Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $703K), a difference of about $7K. Springfield moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Springfield offers a lower entry point at $210K–$1.7M.
Herndon
VA
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$710K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
23 days
16 days
Price Range
$175K–$2.2M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Springfield leads on school quality with a 82% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Springfield, families look to West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Herndon schools | See Springfield schools
Herndon
VA
Springfield
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
82%
Top Schools
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Herndon
VA
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
Silver
Blue
Major Highways
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Herndon, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Springfield, a $703K home costs ~$7,803/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Herndon
VA
Springfield
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$7,803/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Herndon (28) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Herndon
VA
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
28
Bike Score
45
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
19% below Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herndon or Springfield more affordable?
Springfield is more affordable with a median home price of $703K, 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. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
Which has better schools, Herndon or Springfield?
Springfield has stronger schools overall, with a 82% average pass rate compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Springfield, standout schools include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Herndon or Springfield?
Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
What are property taxes in Herndon vs Springfield?
Herndon has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Springfield's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,803/yr on a $703K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Herndon or Springfield better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.