Market Overview
Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $570K), a difference of about $300K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Leesburg
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$870K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
14 days
Price Range
$150K–$5.8M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Leesburg leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 83% in Reston. Top schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Leesburg schools | See Reston schools
Leesburg
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
88%
83%
Top Schools
Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Leesburg
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $870K home in Leesburg, you would pay ~$7,569/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Leesburg
VA
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$0.870
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,569/yr
$6,327/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Leesburg. Transit scores: Leesburg (10) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lansdowne and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Leesburg
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
10
35
Bike Score
42
52
Safety
Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% below Virginia average. Reston is rated "Safe" (27% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Leesburg
VA
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.5/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
7.8/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
51% below Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leesburg or Reston more affordable?
Reston is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, 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. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Leesburg or Reston?
Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 83% in Reston. Top schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Leesburg or Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Leesburg has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Leesburg vs Reston?
Leesburg has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Leesburg or Reston better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.