Market Overview
Centreville is pricier ($600K median vs $280K), a difference of about $320K. Centreville moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Centreville
VA
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$600K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
24 days
Price Range
$245K–$3.1M
$100K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Centreville leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Norfolk, families look to Maury High School and Granby High School. See Centreville schools | See Norfolk schools
Centreville
VA
Norfolk
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Average
Avg Pass Rate
84%
65%
Top Schools
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk 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), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Centreville
VA
Norfolk
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-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Centreville (15) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Centre Ridge and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Centreville
VA
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
22
Bike Score
28
48
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% below Virginia average. Norfolk is rated "Below Average" (72% 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
Norfolk
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
4.2/1K
Property Crime
9.1/1K
24.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% below Virginia average
72% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centreville or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, 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. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Centreville or Norfolk?
Centreville has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Norfolk, standout schools include Maury High School and Granby High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Centreville or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Centreville has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
Is Centreville or Norfolk better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. 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.