Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $570K), a difference of about $133K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Springfield. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Reston
VA
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$570K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
16 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.5M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 82% in Springfield. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. In Springfield, families look to West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Reston schools | See Springfield schools
Reston
VA
Springfield
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
83%
82%
Top Schools
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Reston
VA
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
Silver
Blue
Major Highways
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $570K home in Reston, you would pay ~$6,327/yr in property tax. In Springfield, a $703K home costs ~$7,803/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Reston
VA
Springfield
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,327/yr
$7,803/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Reston (35) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lake Anne and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Reston
VA
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
35
28
Bike Score
52
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
11.5/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
27% below Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reston or Springfield more affordable?
Reston is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
Which has better schools, Reston or Springfield?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 82% in Springfield. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes 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, Reston or Springfield?
Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center). Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
What are property taxes in Reston vs Springfield?
Reston has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K 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 Reston or Springfield better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.