City Comparison

Annapolis vs Chesterfield: Which is right for your family?

Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, strong schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Annapolis is pricier ($510K median vs $350K), a difference of about $160K. Chesterfield moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.

Annapolis

MD

Chesterfield

VA

Median Price

$510K

$350K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

17 days

Price Range

$200K–$3M+

$150K–$900K

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole

Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley

Schools

Annapolis leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Chesterfield. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Chesterfield, families look to Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. See Annapolis schools | See Chesterfield schools

Annapolis

MD

Chesterfield

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

80%

79%

Top Schools

Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School

Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School

Pass Rate

80%
79%

Commute

Chesterfield is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1).

Annapolis

MD

Chesterfield

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~20 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97

I-95, I-295, Rt 1, Rt 10, Rt 360

Commuter Rail

None

None

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Annapolis or Chesterfield more affordable?

Chesterfield is more affordable with a median home price of $350K, compared to $510K in Annapolis. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K.

Which has better schools, Annapolis or Chesterfield?

Annapolis has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 79% in Chesterfield. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Chesterfield, standout schools include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Chesterfield?

Chesterfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access.

Is Annapolis or Chesterfield better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, strong schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.

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 March 2026.