City Comparison

Chantilly vs Chesterfield: Which is right for your family?

Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, strong schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Chantilly is pricier ($710K median vs $350K), a difference of about $360K. Chesterfield moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.

Chantilly

VA

Chesterfield

VA

Median Price

$710K

$350K

Avg Days on Market

19 days

17 days

Price Range

$25K–$2.8M

$150K–$900K

Top Neighborhoods

Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields

Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley

Schools

Chantilly leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 79% in Chesterfield. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Chesterfield, families look to Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. See Chantilly schools | See Chesterfield schools

Chantilly

VA

Chesterfield

VA

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

85%

79%

Top Schools

Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary

Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School

Pass Rate

85%
79%

Commute

Chesterfield is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Major highway access: Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50), Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1).

Chantilly

VA

Chesterfield

VA

Drive to Downtown

~40 min

~20 min

Metro Stations

1 Metro station (nearest: Dulles Airport)

No Metro access

Metro Lines

Silver

N/A

Major Highways

I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50

I-95, I-295, Rt 1, Rt 10, Rt 360

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chantilly or Chesterfield more affordable?

Chesterfield is more affordable with a median home price of $350K, compared to $710K in Chantilly. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K.

Which has better schools, Chantilly or Chesterfield?

Chantilly has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 79% in Chesterfield. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Chesterfield, standout schools include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Chantilly or Chesterfield?

Chesterfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport). Chesterfield has no direct Metro access.

Is Chantilly or Chesterfield better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, strong schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. 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.