Market Overview
Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $250K), a difference of about $507K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Burke
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$757K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
28 days
Price Range
$235K–$1.8M
$75K–$550K
Notable Neighborhoods
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Burke has a 86% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Burke schools | See Portsmouth schools
Burke
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
86%
60%
Public schools
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Portsmouth 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), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Burke
VA
Portsmouth
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-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
VRE (Burke Centre station)
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burke or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, 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. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Burke and Portsmouth?
Burke public schools have a 86% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Burke or Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Burke has no direct Metro access. Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Burke and Portsmouth compare?
Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park and tree-lined neighborhoods. Portsmouth is a waterfront city across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, with a rich naval heritage and a revitalizing downtown. 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.
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 September 2026.