Market Overview
Annapolis is pricier ($510K median vs $280K), a difference of about $230K. Norfolk moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Annapolis
MD
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$510K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
24 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$100K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. See Annapolis schools | See Norfolk schools
Annapolis
MD
Norfolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
65%
Public schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Annapolis
MD
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Norfolk. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
22
Bike Score
52
48
Safety
Norfolk is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 72% above Virginia average. Annapolis is rated "Below Average" (34% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Annapolis
MD
Norfolk
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
4.2/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
24.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
72% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, 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+. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Norfolk?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Annapolis and Norfolk compare?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent 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 June 2026.