Market Overview
Arlington's median sold price is $730K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Chesterfield is at $403K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Arlington is pricier ($730K median vs $403K), a difference of about $327K. Both cities average 37 days on market. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.
Arlington
VA
Chesterfield
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$730K
$403K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
37 days
37 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$150K–$900K
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Chesterfield has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Chesterfield, Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. See Arlington schools | See Chesterfield schools
Arlington
VA
Chesterfield
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
79%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School
Pass Rate
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), Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1).
Arlington
VA
Chesterfield
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-95, I-295, Rt 1, Rt 10, Rt 360
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Chesterfield more affordable?
Chesterfield is more affordable with a median sold price of $403K, compared to $730K in Arlington (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Chesterfield?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Chesterfield has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Chesterfield, Cosby High School and Clover Hill 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 Chesterfield?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Chesterfield has no direct Metro access.
How do Arlington and Chesterfield compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, public schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.