Market Overview
Reston's median sold price is $591K with homes averaging 26 days on market; Spotsylvania is at $500K and 42 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Reston is pricier ($591K median vs $500K), a difference of about $91K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 42 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Reston
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$591K
$500K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
26 days
42 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.5M
$130K–$3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Reston has a 83% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Reston schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Reston
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Avg Pass Rate
83%
74%
Public schools
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~70 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), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Reston
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~70 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, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $591K home in Reston, you would pay ~$6,563/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $500K home costs ~$4,300/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Reston
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.860
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,563/yr
$4,300/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
None
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Reston (35) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lake Anne and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Reston
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
35
6
Bike Score
52
15
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Reston and Spotsylvania. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Reston
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Reported Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.1/1K
Reported Property Crime
11.5/1K
12.3/1K
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reston or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median sold price of $500K, compared to $591K in Reston (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Reston and Spotsylvania?
Reston public schools have a 83% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland 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 Spotsylvania?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center). Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Reston vs Spotsylvania?
Reston has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,563/yr on a $591K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,300/yr on a $500K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Reston and Spotsylvania compare?
Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 September 2026.