Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $507K), a difference of about $63K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Woodbridge offers a lower entry point at $145K–$2.9M.
Reston
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Median Price
$570K
$507K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
22 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.5M
$145K–$2.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Dale City, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Potomac Mills
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. In Woodbridge, families look to Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. See Reston schools | See Woodbridge schools
Reston
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
83%
73%
Top Schools
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Woodbridge High School, Gar-Field High School, Rippon Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 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), Woodbridge (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 123).
Reston
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~40 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 123
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $570K home in Reston, you would pay ~$6,327/yr in property tax. In Woodbridge, a $507K home costs ~$5,222/yr. Woodbridge has the lower rate at $1.030 per $100 of assessed value.
Reston
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.030
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,327/yr
$5,222/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Prince William County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Transit scores: Reston (35) vs Woodbridge (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lake Anne and Dale City score much higher than suburban areas.
Reston
VA
Woodbridge
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
35
12
Bike Score
52
20
Safety
Woodbridge is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 11% 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
Woodbridge
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.3/1K
Property Crime
11.5/1K
13.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
27% below Virginia average
11% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reston or Woodbridge more affordable?
Woodbridge is more affordable with a median home price of $507K, 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. Woodbridge prices range from $145K–$2.9M.
Which has better schools, Reston or Woodbridge?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Reston include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. In Woodbridge, standout schools include Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Reston or Woodbridge?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center). Woodbridge has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Reston vs Woodbridge?
Reston has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Woodbridge's rate is $1.030 per $100 (~$5,222/yr on a $507K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Reston or Woodbridge better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. 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.