Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $380K), a difference of about $370K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 22 in Chesapeake. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Arlington
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Median Price
$750K
$380K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
22 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$175K–$1M
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Chesapeake has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Chesapeake, Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. See Arlington schools | See Chesapeake schools
Arlington
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
79%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Chesapeake (I-64, I-464, I-264).
Arlington
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~20 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-64, I-464, I-264, Rt 168, Rt 17
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 18 in Chesapeake. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Chesapeake (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Great Bridge score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
8
Bike Score
72
22
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Arlington and Chesapeake. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Arlington
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.4/1K
1.2/1K
Reported Property Crime
15.2/1K
13.5/1K
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Chesapeake more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Chesapeake?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Chesapeake has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Chesapeake, Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Chesapeake?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Chesapeake has no direct Metro access.
How do Arlington and Chesapeake compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, public schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. 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.