City Comparison

Chantilly vs Severn: Which is right for your family?

Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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 $430K), a difference of about $280K. Severn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Chantilly

VA

Severn

MD

Median Price

$710K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

19 days

16 days

Price Range

$25K–$2.8M

$200K–$750K

Top Neighborhoods

Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Chantilly leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 77% in Severn. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Severn, families look to Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Chantilly schools | See Severn schools

Chantilly

VA

Severn

MD

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

85%

77%

Top Schools

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

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

85%
77%

Commute

Severn is closer to downtown at ~40 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), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Chantilly

VA

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~40 min

~40 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-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chantilly or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median home price of $430K, 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. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

Which has better schools, Chantilly or Severn?

Chantilly has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 77% in Severn. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Severn, standout schools include Meade High School and Old Mill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Chantilly or Severn?

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

Is Chantilly or Severn better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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.