Great Falls 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
30 min
35 min
Median home price
$1.7M
$627K
Annual property tax
$17K
$7K
Walk score
18
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
Great Falls Park and the Potomac River gorge. Estate properties, 5+ acre lots, and FCPS pyramid schools that rank among the top in the US. The most distinctive residential address in the entire DC metro area.
quietspace
Reston
Planned community done right. Trails, arts, Silver Line Metro, diverse.
communitywalkableartsy
Who should pick which?
Pick Great Falls if you...
- ·Prioritize top-rated schools above all else
- ·Want the shortest commute to Baltimore / DC
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 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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