Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $310K), a difference of about $260K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 25 in Winchester. Winchester offers a lower entry point at $150K–$700K.
Reston
VA
Winchester
VA
Median Price
$570K
$310K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
25 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.5M
$150K–$700K
Top Neighborhoods
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Old Town, Stonewall Industrial, Kernstown, Meadow Branch
Schools
Reston has a 83% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School. See Reston schools | See Winchester schools
Reston
VA
Winchester
VA
Avg Pass Rate
83%
75%
Public schools
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
John Handley High School, Daniel Morgan Middle School, Quarles Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Winchester is closer to downtown at ~10 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), Winchester (I-81, Rt 7, Rt 11).
Reston
VA
Winchester
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~10 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-81, Rt 7, Rt 11, Rt 50, Rt 522
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reston or Winchester more affordable?
Winchester is more affordable with a median home price of $310K, 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. Winchester prices range from $150K–$700K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Reston and Winchester?
Reston public schools have a 83% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Reston or Winchester?
Winchester has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center). Winchester has no direct Metro access.
How do Reston and Winchester compare?
Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. Winchester is a historic Shenandoah Valley city known for apple orchards, Civil War heritage, and a revitalized downtown. 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.