City Comparison

Chantilly vs Suffolk: Which is right for your family?

Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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 $370K), a difference of about $340K. Chantilly moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.

Chantilly

VA

Suffolk

VA

Median Price

$710K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

19 days

24 days

Price Range

$25K–$2.8M

$175K–$800K

Top Neighborhoods

Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields

Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront

Schools

Chantilly leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 72% in Suffolk. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Suffolk, families look to Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Chantilly schools | See Suffolk schools

Chantilly

VA

Suffolk

VA

Quality Tier

Excellent

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

85%

72%

Top Schools

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

Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School

Pass Rate

85%
72%

Commute

Suffolk is closer to downtown at ~30 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), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).

Chantilly

VA

Suffolk

VA

Drive to Downtown

~40 min

~30 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

Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chantilly or Suffolk more affordable?

Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.

Which has better schools, Chantilly or Suffolk?

Chantilly has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 72% in Suffolk. Top schools in Chantilly include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. In Suffolk, standout schools include Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Chantilly or Suffolk?

Suffolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport). Suffolk has no direct Metro access.

Is Chantilly or Suffolk better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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.