City Comparison

Manassas vs Vienna: 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. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $568K), a difference of about $392K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.

Manassas

VA

Vienna

VA

Median Price

$568K

$960K

Avg Days on Market

22 days

12 days

Price Range

$60K–$1.9M

$500K–$2.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights

Schools

Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Manassas schools | See Vienna schools

Manassas

VA

Vienna

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Excellent

Avg Pass Rate

72%

92%

Top Schools

Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary

James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary

Pass Rate

72%
92%

Commute

Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).

Manassas

VA

Vienna

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)

Metro Lines

N/A

Orange

Major Highways

I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234

I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29

Commuter Rail

VRE (Manassas line)

None

Property Tax

On a $568K home in Manassas, you would pay ~$6,839/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Vienna has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.

Manassas

VA

Vienna

VA

Rate per $100

$1.204

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$6,839/yr

$10,656/yr

Notes

None

Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275

Walkability

Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Manassas (15) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town Manassas and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.

Manassas

VA

Vienna

VA

Walk Score

38Car-Dependent
42Car-Dependent

Transit Score

15

30

Bike Score

35

48

Safety

Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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

Vienna

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

1.8/1K

0.4/1K

Property Crime

16.2/1K

7.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

7% above Virginia average

55% below Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manassas or Vienna more affordable?

Manassas is more affordable with a median home price of $568K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.

Which has better schools, Manassas or Vienna?

Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Manassas or Vienna?

Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Manassas has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).

What are property taxes in Manassas vs Vienna?

Manassas has a property tax rate of $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Manassas or Vienna 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. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.