Herndon

Quick Facts at a Glance

  • Jurisdiction Type: Incorporated town within Fairfax County, meaning it operates as a town government while still sharing county services, including FCPS schools

  • ZIP Codes: 20170, 20171

  • County: Fairfax County

  • Metro / Transit Access:

    • Silver Line: Herndon Station

    • Washington Dulles International Airport Station (Dulles Airport area)

    • Access to regional transit connections via Fairfax Connector buses

  • Distance to Washington, DC: Approximately 25 miles west of downtown Washington, DC; roughly 35–55 minutes by car depending on traffic

  • School System(s): Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) — school assignment determined by residential address within Fairfax County

  • Land Area: Approximately 4.6 square miles

  • Population: Approximately 25,000 (U.S. Census estimate)

  • Incorporated Date: 1879

Overview & Geography

Herndon is an incorporated town of approximately 4.6 square miles located in western Fairfax County, Virginia, roughly 25 miles west of Washington, DC. The town sits along the Dulles Technology Corridor — the stretch of northern Virginia anchored by Dulles International Airport (IAD) to the west and Tysons Corner to the east. Major road borders and access points include Elden Street (Route 606) as the town's primary commercial spine, Herndon Parkway forming much of the northern and western boundary, Centreville Road (Route 657) to the east, and the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267 / Dulles Greenway) running along the town's southern edge.

Herndon was founded in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1879, making it one of the older municipalities in Fairfax County. The town is named after Commander William Lewis Herndon, a U.S. Navy officer celebrated for going down with his ship in 1857. The Historic Downtown Herndon district, centered near Lynn Street and Elden Street, retains 19th-century commercial architecture and functions as the civic heart of the community. Neighboring jurisdictions include Reston to the east, Sterling (Loudoun County) to the west, and unincorporated Fairfax County communities to the north and south.

Named Neighborhoods & Communities

Herndon contains a mix of in-town neighborhoods and adjacent residential communities. Named enclaves and subdivisions include:

  • Worldgate — A mixed-use corridor along Worldgate Drive near the Dulles Toll Road, featuring condominiums, office space, and retail.

  • Herndon Centre — A townhome and single-family neighborhood in the central town area, walkable to downtown amenities.

  • Franklin Farm — A large planned community straddling the Herndon/Fairfax County border along West Ox Road, known for extensive trail networks and community pools.

  • Fox Mill Estates — A quiet, established single-family neighborhood in the 20171 ZIP code, east of Reston Parkway.

  • Hunting Horn — A townhome community near Herndon Parkway with convenient access to Route 7 and the Toll Road.

  • Crossfield / Crossfield Village — A residential enclave near Crossfield Elementary School in the northern portion of the town.

  • Downtown Herndon Historic District — The original town core along Elden and Lynn Streets, anchored by the Town Green and historic storefronts.

  • Dulles Technology Corridor (Commercial) — The office and industrial corridor along the Dulles Toll Road encompassing major corporate campuses in and around Herndon.

Schools & Education


School assignment in Herndon is determined by residential address within Fairfax County. All students living within the Town of Herndon are served by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), one of the largest and most highly regarded school districts in the United States, enrolling approximately 180,000+ students system-wide.

Transit, Commute & Walkability

Metro Rail

The Herndon Station on the Silver Line (WMATA) is located at the intersection of Herndon Parkway and the Dulles Toll Road, approximately one mile south of Historic Downtown Herndon. A second nearby station, Innovation Center Station, serves the eastern edge of the 20170 corridor. The Silver Line provides direct service to Tysons Corner, McLean, Rosslyn, Farragut West, and Metro Center, with typical travel time to Metro Center of approximately 40–50 minutes depending on time of day.

Road Commuting

  • Dulles Toll Road (Route 267) — Primary east-west corridor; connects Herndon to Tysons (20–25 min), Downtown DC (40–55 min off-peak, 60–80+ min peak).

  • Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) — Northern alternative connecting Herndon to Falls Church and Arlington.

  • Route 28 (Sully Road) — North-south connector serving Chantilly, Dulles Airport, and Sterling.

  • I-66 — Accessible via Route 28 or Dulles Toll Road; provides alternative routing toward DC and Fairfax.

Walkability & Bike Infrastructure

Walk Score varies significantly by location: the Historic Downtown Herndon area scores in the 60–70 range ("Somewhat Walkable"), while outer residential neighborhoods typically score 20–40. The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail passes through Herndon, providing a paved multi-use path extending 45 miles from Shirlington to Purcellville. Additional local trails connect neighborhoods to the W&OD and to Reston's trail system to the east. Herndon maintains dedicated bike lanes on portions of major town roads.

Parks, Landmarks & Community Life

Named Parks

  • Herndon Centennial Golf Course — A par-71 municipal golf course on Ferndale Avenue; open to the public and one of Fairfax County's affordable golf options.

  • Bready Park — Central Herndon park adjacent to the downtown district; hosts festivals and community events.

  • Runnymede Park — A natural area park along Sugarland Run creek, offering trails, wildlife observation, and unprogrammed green space.

  • Herndon Community Center & Pool — A 60,000+ sq. ft. facility on Herndon Parkway offering fitness, aquatics, classes, and meeting rooms.

  • Worldgate Sport and Health — A private fitness facility in the Worldgate corridor.

  • Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park — A linear greenway park following Sugarland Run through residential areas, connecting to the W&OD Trail.

Historic Landmarks

  • Historic Downtown Herndon — The town's original commercial district, incorporated 1879; anchor streets include Elden Street and Lynn Street.

  • Herndon Depot (Former Train Station) — A restored historic railroad depot from the late 19th century; serves as a community landmark near the downtown area.

  • Grace Episcopal Church — One of Herndon's oldest congregations, dating to the 19th century, located in the historic town core.

Recurring Community Events

  • Friday Night Live — A summer outdoor concert series held on the Herndon Town Green; free admission, runs June through August.

  • Herndon Festival — An annual multi-day community festival held in June featuring live music, food vendors, arts, and carnival rides.

  • Herndon Farmers Market — Weekly market offering local produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods; held in downtown Herndon.

  • Holiday events — Town-sponsored seasonal events including tree lighting ceremonies and winter markets in the downtown district.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Metro stations serve Herndon, Virginia?

Herndon is served by the Silver Line (WMATA) via Herndon Station. The station is located at the intersection of Herndon Parkway and the Dulles Toll Road, approximately one mile from Historic Downtown Herndon. The adjacent Innovation Center Station also serves eastern portions of the Herndon ZIP code area. The Silver Line connects Herndon to Tysons Corner, Rosslyn, and downtown Washington, DC, with travel times to Metro Center typically ranging from 40 to 50 minutes.

What school district is Herndon, Virginia in?

Herndon is served by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), one of the largest public school districts in the United States. School assignment is based on residential address within Fairfax County. Specific elementary assignments vary by neighborhood; families should verify using the FCPS school finder tool at fcps.edu.

Is Herndon, Virginia a city or a town?

Herndon is an incorporated town, not an independent city. This is a legally significant distinction in Virginia: unlike independent cities (such as Alexandria or Falls Church), Herndon remains part of Fairfax County and shares county-level services including public schools, courts, and county tax assessments. The Town of Herndon levies its own local tax rate in addition to Fairfax County taxes. Some surrounding addresses share the 20170 or 20171 ZIP codes but fall outside Herndon town limits in unincorporated Fairfax County.

How far is Herndon from Washington, DC?

Herndon is located approximately 25 miles west of Downtown Washington, DC. By car via the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267) or I-66, typical off-peak commute times range from 35 to 50 minutes; peak-hour commutes can extend to 60–80+ minutes depending on traffic. By Metro via the Silver Line from Herndon Station, travel time to Metro Center in downtown DC is approximately 40 to 50 minutes. Dulles International Airport (IAD) is approximately 4 miles west of central Herndon.

What are home like in Herndon, Virginia?

Herndon offers a range of housing types including single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums across multiple price points. The median home price varies by neighborhood, property type, and current market conditions. Properties in the Historic Downtown Herndon area and newer townhome communities near the Silver Line stations tend to command premium pricing due to walkability and transit access. Buyers and sellers should consult current MLS data or a licensed real estate professional for accurate, up-to-date pricing.

What neighborhoods are in Herndon, Virginia?

Herndon includes a variety of named neighborhoods and communities. Prominent residential areas include Franklin Farm, a large planned community along West Ox Road known for its trail network and pools; Fox Mill Estates, an established single-family neighborhood in the 20171 ZIP code; Worldgate, a mixed-use corridor near the Dulles Toll Road; and Herndon Centre, a walkable community near downtown. The Historic Downtown Herndon district along Elden and Lynn Streets represents the town's original residential and commercial core, incorporated in 1879.

Our Herndon Market Expertise

Our services for Herndon clients include:

  • Buyer representation — Comprehensive search, neighborhood analysis, and negotiation services for buyers relocating to or moving within the Herndon area.

  • Seller representation — Strategic pricing, professional marketing, and expert negotiation to maximize value for Herndon homeowners.

  • Relocation services — Specialized support for professionals relocating to the Dulles Technology Corridor, including corporate relocation coordination.

  • Investment analysis — Market data and rental yield analysis for investors evaluating Herndon properties near Silver Line stations.

Ready to explore Herndon? Contact our team today for a complimentary consultation, a current market analysis, or a guided tour of Herndon's neighborhoods. We are here to help you find the right home — or the right buyer — in one of Northern Virginia's most dynamic communities.

Authoritative Resources for Herndon Research

The following resources provide official, verifiable information for buyers, sellers, and researchers:

  • Town of Herndon — Official Website — https://www.herndon-va.gov — Official source for Herndon town government services, municipal codes, zoning ordinances, permits, local news, and elected officials.

  • Herndon Parks & Recreation — https://www.herndon-va.gov/government/parks-recreation — Details on Herndon's parks, athletic fields, the Community Center, aquatics programs, and event registrations maintained by the Town of Herndon.

  • Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) — School Finder — https://www.fcps.edu/schools/school-finder — Address-based tool for determining assigned elementary, middle, and high school for any Fairfax County address including Herndon.

  • WMATA Silver Line — Station Information — https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations — Official Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority page for Silver Line station details, schedules, fare information, and parking at Herndon Station and Innovation Center Station.

  • Fairfax County — Property Search & Tax Records — https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/real-estate — Official Fairfax County portal for real estate tax assessment records, property ownership data, and tax rate information applicable to Herndon addresses.

  • Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail — Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority — https://www.nvrpa.org/park/w_od_railroad — Official trail map, access points, and regulations for the 45-mile W&OD Trail, which passes through Herndon and connects to regional trail networks.1. Quick Facts at a Glance

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