Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $355K), a difference of about $215K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Reston
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$570K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
18 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.5M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Reston has a 83% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Reston schools | See Richmond schools
Reston
VA
Richmond
VA
Avg Pass Rate
83%
67%
Public schools
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Reston
VA
Richmond
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
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 45 in Reston. Transit scores: Reston (35) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lake Anne and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Reston
VA
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
35
28
Bike Score
52
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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.
Reston
VA
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
11.5/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
27% below Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reston or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Reston and Richmond?
Reston public schools have a 83% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle 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, Reston or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center). Richmond has no direct Metro access.
How do Reston and Richmond compare?
Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.