Market Overview
Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $560K), a difference of about $310K. Leesburg moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Leesburg
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$870K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
27 days
Price Range
$150K–$5.8M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Leesburg leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Leesburg schools | See Stafford schools
Leesburg
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
88%
77%
Top Schools
Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Leesburg is closer to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Leesburg
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~55 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, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $870K home in Leesburg, you would pay ~$7,569/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Leesburg
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$0.870
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,569/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165
None
Walkability
Leesburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Leesburg (10) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lansdowne and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Leesburg
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
10
8
Bike Score
42
18
Safety
Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% below Virginia average. Stafford is rated "Safe" (31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.5/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
7.8/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
51% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Leesburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Leesburg.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Stafford
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Stafford.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leesburg or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Leesburg or Stafford?
Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Leesburg or Stafford?
Leesburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Leesburg has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Leesburg vs Stafford?
Leesburg has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Leesburg or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.