Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $370K), a difference of about $310K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.
Alexandria
VA
Suffolk
VA
Median Price
$680K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
24 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$175K–$800K
Notable Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Alexandria schools | See Suffolk schools
Alexandria
VA
Suffolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
72%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).
Alexandria
VA
Suffolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Suffolk more affordable?
Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $680K in Alexandria. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Suffolk?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Suffolk?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Suffolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Alexandria and Suffolk compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated September 2026.