Market Overview
Chesterfield is pricier ($350K median vs $225K), a difference of about $125K. Chesterfield moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Chesterfield
VA
Median Price
$225K
$350K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
17 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$150K–$900K
Top 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
Pass Rate
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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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Chesterfield more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $350K in Chesterfield. 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, 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.
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 June 2026.