City Comparison

Herndon vs Suffolk: How they compare

Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $370K), a difference of about $340K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.

Herndon

VA

Suffolk

VA

Median Price

$710K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

23 days

24 days

Price Range

$175K–$2.2M

$175K–$800K

Top Neighborhoods

Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster

Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront

Schools

Herndon has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Herndon schools | See Suffolk schools

Herndon

VA

Suffolk

VA

Avg Pass Rate

80%

72%

Public schools

Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary

Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School

Pass Rate

80%
72%

Commute

Suffolk is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).

Herndon

VA

Suffolk

VA

Drive to Downtown

~35 min

~30 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

Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Herndon or Suffolk more affordable?

Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Herndon and Suffolk?

Herndon public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Herndon or Suffolk?

Suffolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Suffolk has no direct Metro access.

How do Herndon and Suffolk compare?

Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

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 June 2026.

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Herndon vs Suffolk: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover