Market Overview
Centreville is pricier ($600K median vs $355K), a difference of about $245K. Centreville moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Centreville
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$600K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
18 days
Price Range
$245K–$3.1M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Centreville leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Richmond, families look to Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Centreville schools | See Richmond schools
Centreville
VA
Richmond
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Average
Avg Pass Rate
84%
67%
Top Schools
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond 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), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Centreville
VA
Richmond
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-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 25 in Centreville. Transit scores: Centreville (15) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Centre Ridge and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Centreville
VA
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
28
Bike Score
28
52
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% below Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% 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
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
9.1/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% below Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centreville or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, 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. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Centreville or Richmond?
Centreville has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Richmond, standout schools include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Centreville or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Centreville has no direct Metro access. Richmond has no direct Metro access.
Is Centreville or Richmond better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.