Herndon is actually a pretty good spot to work from a commute standpoint. You could probably find decent housing that isn't *too* expensive very nearby. I'd look in Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn. Personally, I wouldn't consider Manassas because you'd have to drive on 66, which can be awful. The towns I mention would allow you to avoid major highways and keep the commute manageable.
I can't comment on schools, so my recommendation doesn't include that aspect.