Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $570K), a difference of about $390K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 14 in Reston. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Reston
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$570K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
12 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.5M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 83% in Reston. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Reston schools | See Vienna schools
Reston
VA
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
83%
92%
Top Schools
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Reston
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
Silver
Orange
Major Highways
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Property Tax
On a $570K home in Reston, you would pay ~$6,327/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Reston
VA
Vienna
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,327/yr
$10,656/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Vienna. Transit scores: Reston (35) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lake Anne and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Reston
VA
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
35
30
Bike Score
52
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
11.5/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
27% below Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reston or Vienna more affordable?
Reston is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Reston or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 83% in Reston. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Reston or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center). Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Reston vs Vienna?
Reston has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Reston or Vienna better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.