Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $280K), a difference of about $340K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Ashburn
VA
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$620K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
24 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$100K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Norfolk, families look to Maury High School and Granby High School. See Ashburn schools | See Norfolk schools
Ashburn
VA
Norfolk
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Average
Avg Pass Rate
89%
65%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge 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. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Ashburn
VA
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in Ashburn. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
22
Bike Score
35
48
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Norfolk is rated "Below Average" (72% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Ashburn
VA
Norfolk
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
4.2/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
24.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
72% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $620K in Ashburn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Norfolk?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Norfolk, standout schools include Maury High School and Granby High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Ashburn or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
Is Ashburn or Norfolk better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. 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.