Market Overview
Charlottesville's median sold price is $535K with homes averaging 45 days on market; Chesterfield is at $400K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Charlottesville is pricier ($535K median vs $400K), a difference of about $135K. Chesterfield moves faster, with homes averaging 37 days on market compared to 45 in Charlottesville. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.
Charlottesville
VA
Chesterfield
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$535K
$400K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
45 days
37 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$150K–$900K
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Chesterfield has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Chesterfield, Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Chesterfield schools
Charlottesville
VA
Chesterfield
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
79%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1).
Charlottesville
VA
Chesterfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~20 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
I-95, I-295, Rt 1, Rt 10, Rt 360
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Chesterfield more affordable?
Chesterfield is more affordable with a median sold price of $400K, compared to $535K in Charlottesville (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Chesterfield?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Chesterfield has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Chesterfield, Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Charlottesville or Chesterfield?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access.
How do Charlottesville and Chesterfield compare?
Charlottesville is a college town centered around the University of Virginia, with a walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia wine country. Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, public schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 August 2026.