Market Overview
Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $380K), a difference of about $377K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Chesapeake. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Burke
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Median Price
$757K
$380K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
22 days
Price Range
$235K–$1.8M
$175K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Schools
Burke leads on school quality with a 86% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 79% in Chesapeake. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Chesapeake, families look to Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. See Burke schools | See Chesapeake schools
Burke
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
86%
79%
Top Schools
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Chesapeake is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy), Chesapeake (I-64, I-464, I-264).
Burke
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~20 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, I-464, I-264, Rt 168, Rt 17
Commuter Rail
VRE (Burke Centre station)
None
Walkability
Burke is more walkable with a Walk Score of 22 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 18 in Chesapeake. Transit scores: Burke (15) vs Chesapeake (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Burke Centre and Great Bridge score much higher than suburban areas.
Burke
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
8
Bike Score
25
22
Safety
Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% below Virginia average. Chesapeake is rated "Safe" (13% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Burke
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.5/1K
1.2/1K
Property Crime
8.2/1K
13.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
49% below Virginia average
13% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burke or Chesapeake more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, 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. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Burke or Chesapeake?
Burke has stronger schools overall, with a 86% average pass rate compared to 79% in Chesapeake. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Chesapeake, standout schools include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Burke or Chesapeake?
Chesapeake has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Burke has no direct Metro access. Chesapeake has no direct Metro access.
Is Burke or Chesapeake 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. Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, excellent schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. 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.