City Comparison

Manassas vs Springfield: Which is right for your family?

Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $568K), a difference of about $135K. Springfield moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.

Manassas

VA

Springfield

VA

Median Price

$568K

$703K

Avg Days on Market

22 days

16 days

Price Range

$60K–$1.9M

$210K–$1.7M

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park

Schools

Springfield leads on school quality with a 82% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Springfield, families look to West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Manassas schools | See Springfield schools

Manassas

VA

Springfield

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

72%

82%

Top Schools

Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary

West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School

Pass Rate

72%
82%

Commute

Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).

Manassas

VA

Springfield

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~30 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)

Metro Lines

N/A

Blue

Major Highways

I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234

I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy

Commuter Rail

VRE (Manassas line)

None

Property Tax

On a $568K home in Manassas, you would pay ~$6,839/yr in property tax. In Springfield, a $703K home costs ~$7,803/yr. Springfield has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.

Manassas

VA

Springfield

VA

Rate per $100

$1.204

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$6,839/yr

$7,803/yr

Notes

None

Fairfax County rate

Walkability

Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Manassas (15) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town Manassas and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.

Manassas

VA

Springfield

VA

Walk Score

38Car-Dependent
32Car-Dependent

Transit Score

15

28

Bike Score

35

38

Safety

Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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

Springfield

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Safe

Violent Crime

1.8/1K

0.7/1K

Property Crime

16.2/1K

10.1/1K

vs Virginia Avg

7% above Virginia average

36% below Virginia average

VA

Find agents in Manassas

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Manassas.

View top agents

VA

Find agents in Springfield

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Springfield.

View top agents

Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manassas or Springfield more affordable?

Manassas is more affordable with a median home price of $568K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.

Which has better schools, Manassas or Springfield?

Springfield has stronger schools overall, with a 82% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Springfield, standout schools include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Manassas or Springfield?

Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Manassas has no direct Metro access. Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).

What are property taxes in Manassas vs Springfield?

Manassas has a property tax rate of $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Springfield's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,803/yr on a $703K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Manassas or Springfield 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. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.