Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $370K), a difference of about $380K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.
Arlington
VA
Suffolk
VA
Median Price
$750K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
24 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$175K–$800K
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Arlington schools | See Suffolk schools
Arlington
VA
Suffolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
72%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
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
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~30 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), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).
Arlington
VA
Suffolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~30 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
Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Suffolk more affordable?
Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Suffolk?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; 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, Arlington or Suffolk?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Suffolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Arlington and Suffolk compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. 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.