City Comparison

Leesburg vs Manassas: Which is right for your family?

Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $568K), a difference of about $302K. Both cities average 22 days on market. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.

Leesburg

VA

Manassas

VA

Median Price

$870K

$568K

Avg Days on Market

22 days

22 days

Price Range

$150K–$5.8M

$60K–$1.9M

Top Neighborhoods

Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

Schools

Leesburg leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Leesburg schools | See Manassas schools

Leesburg

VA

Manassas

VA

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

88%

72%

Top Schools

Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School

Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary

Pass Rate

88%
72%

Commute

Manassas is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).

Leesburg

VA

Manassas

VA

Drive to Downtown

~50 min

~45 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway

I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234

Commuter Rail

None

VRE (Manassas line)

Property Tax

On a $870K home in Leesburg, you would pay ~$7,569/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $568K home costs ~$6,839/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.

Leesburg

VA

Manassas

VA

Rate per $100

$0.870

$1.204

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,569/yr

$6,839/yr

Notes

Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165

None

Walkability

Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Leesburg. Transit scores: Leesburg (10) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lansdowne and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.

Leesburg

VA

Manassas

VA

Walk Score

38Car-Dependent
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

10

15

Bike Score

42

35

Safety

Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% below Virginia average. Manassas is rated "Average" (7% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Leesburg

VA

Manassas

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Average

Violent Crime

0.5/1K

1.8/1K

Property Crime

7.8/1K

16.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

51% below Virginia average

7% above Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leesburg or Manassas more affordable?

Manassas is more affordable with a median home price of $568K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.

Which has better schools, Leesburg or Manassas?

Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Leesburg or Manassas?

Manassas has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Leesburg has no direct Metro access. Manassas has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Leesburg vs Manassas?

Leesburg has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Leesburg or Manassas better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.