Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $560K), a difference of about $10K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Reston
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$570K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
27 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.5M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Reston schools | See Stafford schools
Reston
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
83%
77%
Top Schools
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~55 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), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Reston
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~55 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 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $570K home in Reston, you would pay ~$6,327/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
Reston
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,327/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
None
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Reston (35) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lake Anne and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Reston
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
35
8
Bike Score
52
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
11.5/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
27% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Reston
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Reston.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Stafford
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Stafford.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reston or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Reston or Stafford?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Reston or Stafford?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center). Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Reston vs Stafford?
Reston has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Reston or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.