City Comparison

Warrenton vs Winchester: How they compare

Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. Winchester is a historic Shenandoah Valley city known for apple orchards, Civil War heritage, and a revitalized downtown. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Warrenton is pricier ($500K median vs $310K), a difference of about $190K. Winchester moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Winchester offers a lower entry point at $150K–$700K.

Warrenton

VA

Winchester

VA

Median Price

$500K

$310K

Avg Days on Market

28 days

25 days

Price Range

$225K–$2M

$150K–$700K

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Old Town, Stonewall Industrial, Kernstown, Meadow Branch

Schools

Warrenton has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Warrenton include Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School. See Warrenton schools | See Winchester schools

Warrenton

VA

Winchester

VA

Avg Pass Rate

78%

75%

Public schools

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

John Handley High School, Daniel Morgan Middle School, Quarles Elementary

Pass Rate

78%
75%

Commute

Winchester is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211), Winchester (I-81, Rt 7, Rt 11).

Warrenton

VA

Winchester

VA

Drive to Downtown

~60 min

~10 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

I-81, Rt 7, Rt 11, Rt 50, Rt 522

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Warrenton or Winchester more affordable?

Winchester is more affordable with a median home price of $310K, compared to $500K in Warrenton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M. Winchester prices range from $150K–$700K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Warrenton and Winchester?

Warrenton public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Warrenton include Fauquier High School and Taylor 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, Warrenton or Winchester?

Winchester has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Warrenton has no direct Metro access. Winchester has no direct Metro access.

How do Warrenton and Winchester compare?

Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.

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Warrenton vs Winchester: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover