City Comparison

Reston vs Suffolk: How they 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. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

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

Top 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

Pass Rate

83%
72%

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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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 can connect you with a verified agent 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 June 2026.

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Reston vs Suffolk: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover