Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $370K), a difference of about $200K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.
Reston
VA
Suffolk
VA
Median Price
$570K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
24 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.5M
$175K–$800K
Notable Neighborhoods
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront
Schools
Reston has a 83% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Reston schools | See Suffolk schools
Reston
VA
Suffolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
83%
72%
Public schools
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Suffolk is closer to downtown at ~30 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), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).
Reston
VA
Suffolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~30 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
Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reston or Suffolk more affordable?
Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Reston and Suffolk?
Reston public schools have a 83% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork 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 Suffolk?
Suffolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center). Suffolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Reston and Suffolk compare?
Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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.
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 September 2026.