City Comparison

Leesburg vs Richmond: How they compare

Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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 $355K), a difference of about $515K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.

Leesburg

VA

Richmond

VA

Median Price

$870K

$355K

Avg Days on Market

22 days

18 days

Price Range

$150K–$5.8M

$125K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road

The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition

Schools

Leesburg has a 88% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Leesburg schools | See Richmond schools

Leesburg

VA

Richmond

VA

Avg Pass Rate

88%

67%

Public schools

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

Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School

Pass Rate

88%
67%

Commute

Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).

Leesburg

VA

Richmond

VA

Drive to Downtown

~50 min

~10 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway

I-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301

Commuter Rail

None

None

Walkability

Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 38 in Leesburg. Transit scores: Leesburg (10) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lansdowne and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.

Leesburg

VA

Richmond

VA

Walk Score

38Car-Dependent
50Somewhat Walkable

Transit Score

10

28

Bike Score

42

52

Safety

Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% below Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% 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

Richmond

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Below Average

Violent Crime

0.5/1K

5.8/1K

Property Crime

7.8/1K

25.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

51% below Virginia average

83% above Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leesburg or Richmond more affordable?

Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, 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. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Leesburg and Richmond?

Leesburg public schools have a 88% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Leesburg or Richmond?

Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Leesburg has no direct Metro access. Richmond has no direct Metro access.

How do Leesburg and Richmond compare?

Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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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Leesburg vs Richmond: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover