City Comparison

Herndon vs Warrenton: Which is right for your family?

Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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 $500K), a difference of about $210K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Warrenton offers a lower entry point at $225K–$2M.

Herndon

VA

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$710K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

23 days

28 days

Price Range

$175K–$2.2M

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

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

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Warrenton, families look to Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Herndon schools | See Warrenton schools

Herndon

VA

Warrenton

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

80%

78%

Top Schools

Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

80%
78%

Commute

Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Herndon

VA

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~35 min

~60 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 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

None

None

Walkability

Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Warrenton. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

Herndon

VA

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

40Car-Dependent
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

45

28

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Herndon or Warrenton more affordable?

Warrenton is more affordable with a median home price of $500K, 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. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

Which has better schools, Herndon or Warrenton?

Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 78% in Warrenton. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Warrenton, standout schools include Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Herndon or Warrenton?

Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

Is Herndon or Warrenton better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.