Arlington vs Fairfax

The median home price in Fairfax is around $580K versus Arlington's $685K, a savings of roughly $105K or about 15%. The price gap widens for single-family homes. In Arlington, a detached home often starts above $900K, while Fairfax offers comparable square footage starting around $650K. For buyers prioritizing space over urban walkability, Fairfax delivers significantly more home for the money.

Arlington has a clear advantage with 11 Metro stations across the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines. The Rosslyn-Ballston corridor and Crystal City/Pentagon City area provide walkable Metro access from most neighborhoods. Fairfax City itself has no Metro station, but the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station on the Orange Line sits just outside the city limits. Many Fairfax residents drive or bus to the nearest station.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is one of the largest and highest-rated school districts in the United States. The district scores 8.5/10 overall, with Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) consistently ranked as the #1 public high school in America. Arlington Public Schools rate 8.2/10 and are also excellent, but FCPS edges ahead in depth, magnet programs, and advanced academic pipelines.

It depends on your lifestyle priorities. Arlington's premium buys you walkability, direct Metro access, a vibrant nightlife and dining scene, shorter DC commutes, and an urban lifestyle without crossing into DC. If you work remotely, have kids in school, or prefer a quieter suburban pace with more interior space, Fairfax offers a better value. Many young professionals start in Arlington and move to Fairfax when starting a family.

Arlington is significantly more walkable with an average Walk Score of 78 compared to Fairfax's 55. Arlington's Clarendon, Ballston, and Crystal City neighborhoods score above 90. Fairfax's Old Town area is pleasant for walking with shops and restaurants along University Drive, but the broader city is car-dependent. If ditching your car is important, Arlington is the clear winner.