Market Overview
Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $400K), a difference of about $357K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Burke
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Median Price
$757K
$400K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
22 days
Price Range
$235K–$1.8M
$175K–$2M
Top Neighborhoods
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Schools
Burke leads on school quality with a 86% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Charlottesville, families look to Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. See Burke schools | See Charlottesville schools
Burke
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
86%
80%
Top Schools
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy), Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250).
Burke
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
Commuter Rail
VRE (Burke Centre station)
None
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Burke. Transit scores: Burke (15) vs Charlottesville (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Burke Centre and Downtown Mall score much higher than suburban areas.
Burke
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
18
Bike Score
25
58
Safety
Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% below Virginia average. Charlottesville is rated "Below Average" (32% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Burke
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.5/1K
2.5/1K
Property Crime
8.2/1K
19.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
49% below Virginia average
32% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burke or Charlottesville more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $757K in Burke. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M.
Which has better schools, Burke or Charlottesville?
Burke has stronger schools overall, with a 86% average pass rate compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Charlottesville, standout schools include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Burke or Charlottesville?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Burke has no direct Metro access. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access.
Is Burke or Charlottesville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park, top-rated schools, and tree-lined neighborhoods. Charlottesville is a college town centered around the University of Virginia, with a walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia wine country. 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.