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Great Falls South vs Reston

Two popular suburbs of Baltimore / DC, side by side. Here's how they compare on the metrics that matter most to families.

School rating
10/10
8/10
Commute to Baltimore / DC
35 min
35 min
Median home price
$1.3M
$627K
Annual property tax
$13K
$7K
Walk score
10
68
Density
suburban
suburban

Summary: Reston leads in 3 of 6 metrics. It edges out on median home price, annual property tax, walk score. The best choice depends on your family's priorities.

Character & vibe

Great Falls South

Southern Great Falls at the Reston/Herndon border with FCPS — among the top 5 school districts in the nation. Great Falls Park (Potomac River gorge views) is extraordinary. Very distinctive large-lot estate properties. The Ridge Top community and Walker Road corridor are among NOVA's most well-regarded addresses.

ultra-luxurynaturequiet

Reston

Planned community done right. Trails, arts, Silver Line Metro, diverse.

communitywalkableartsy

Who should pick which?

Pick Great Falls South if you...

  • ·Prioritize top-rated schools above all else
  • ·Drawn to the ultra-luxury character

Pick Reston if you...

  • ·Need to keep your home budget in check
  • ·Value walkability and a pedestrian-friendly downtown
  • ·Want lower annual property taxes

Still deciding?

Burbia scores both Great Falls South and Reston - and every other town in the Baltimore-Washington Area - based on your specific commute, budget, and priorities. Not a generic list.

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