Market Overview
Centreville is pricier ($600K median vs $400K), a difference of about $200K. Centreville moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 22 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Centreville
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Median Price
$600K
$400K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
22 days
Price Range
$245K–$3.1M
$175K–$2M
Top Neighborhoods
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Schools
Centreville leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Charlottesville, families look to Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. See Centreville schools | See Charlottesville schools
Centreville
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
84%
80%
Top Schools
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250).
Centreville
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Centreville (15) vs Charlottesville (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Centre Ridge and Downtown Mall score much higher than suburban areas.
Centreville
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
18
Bike Score
28
58
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% 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.
Centreville
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
2.5/1K
Property Crime
9.1/1K
19.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% below Virginia average
32% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centreville or Charlottesville more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median home price of $400K, compared to $600K in Centreville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M.
Which has better schools, Centreville or Charlottesville?
Centreville has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 80% in Charlottesville. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High 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, Centreville or Charlottesville?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Centreville has no direct Metro access. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access.
Is Centreville or Charlottesville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. 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.