Market Overview
Baltimore's median sold price is $275K with homes averaging 41 days on market; Chesterfield is at $400K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Chesterfield is pricier ($400K median vs $275K), a difference of about $125K. Chesterfield moves faster, with homes averaging 37 days on market compared to 41 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Chesterfield
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$275K
$400K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
41 days
37 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$150K–$900K
Notable Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Chesterfield has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Chesterfield, Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. See Baltimore schools | See Chesterfield schools
Baltimore
MD
Chesterfield
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
79%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Chesterfield is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1).
Baltimore
MD
Chesterfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~20 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
I-95, I-295, Rt 1, Rt 10, Rt 360
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
None
MD
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Chesterfield more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median sold price of $275K, compared to $400K in Chesterfield (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Chesterfield?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Chesterfield has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; 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, Baltimore or Chesterfield?
Chesterfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access.
How do Baltimore and Chesterfield compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, with new construction and a range of housing prices south of the James River. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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 September 2026.