Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $560K), a difference of about $150K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Herndon
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$710K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
23 days
27 days
Price Range
$175K–$2.2M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Herndon schools | See Stafford schools
Herndon
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
77%
Top Schools
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Herndon
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~55 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 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Herndon, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
Herndon
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$5,874/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 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Herndon (28) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Herndon
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
8
Bike Score
45
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
19% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herndon or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Herndon or Stafford?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Herndon or Stafford?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Herndon vs Stafford?
Herndon has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Herndon or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.