Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $568K), a difference of about $2K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.
Manassas
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$568K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
14 days
Price Range
$60K–$1.9M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Manassas schools | See Reston schools
Manassas
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
72%
83%
Top Schools
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Manassas
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
Property Tax
On a $568K home in Manassas, you would pay ~$6,839/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Reston has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Manassas
VA
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$1.204
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,839/yr
$6,327/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Manassas (15) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town Manassas and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Manassas
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
35
Bike Score
35
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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.
Manassas
VA
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.8/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
7% above Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manassas or Reston more affordable?
Manassas is more affordable with a median home price of $568K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Manassas or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle 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, Manassas or Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Manassas has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Manassas vs Reston?
Manassas has a property tax rate of $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K 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 Manassas or Reston better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.