City Comparison

Herndon vs Williamsburg: Which is right for your family?

Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.

Herndon

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Median Price

$710K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

23 days

28 days

Price Range

$175K–$2.2M

$150K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

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

Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony

Schools

Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Herndon schools | See Williamsburg schools

Herndon

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

80%

84%

Top Schools

Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

80%
84%

Commute

Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 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), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Herndon

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~35 min

~25 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-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

None

None

Walkability

Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Williamsburg. Transit scores: Herndon (28) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.

Herndon

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Walk Score

40Car-Dependent
35Car-Dependent

Transit Score

28

10

Bike Score

45

42

Safety

Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Williamsburg is rated "Average" (Near 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

Williamsburg

VA

Safety Rating

Safe
Average

Violent Crime

0.9/1K

1.2/1K

Property Crime

12.8/1K

15.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

19% below Virginia average

Near Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Herndon or Williamsburg more affordable?

Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

Which has better schools, Herndon or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Williamsburg, standout schools include Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Herndon or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.

Is Herndon or Williamsburg better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.