Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $520K), a difference of about $50K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 35 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Reston
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Price
$570K
$520K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
35 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.5M
$130K–$3M
Top Neighborhoods
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. In Spotsylvania, families look to Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Reston schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Reston
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
83%
74%
Top Schools
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
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 $570K home in Reston, you would pay ~$6,327/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $520K home costs ~$4,472/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
$6,327/yr
$4,472/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
Safety
Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% below Virginia average. Reston is rated "Safe" (27% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Reston
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
11.5/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
27% below Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reston or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median home price of $520K, 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. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
Which has better schools, Reston or Spotsylvania?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. In Spotsylvania, standout schools include Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,472/yr on a $520K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Reston or Spotsylvania better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.