Market Overview
Charlottesville is pricier ($400K median vs $255K), a difference of about $145K. Charlottesville moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.
Charlottesville
VA
Hampton
VA
Median Price
$400K
$255K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
25 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$80K–$650K
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Hampton has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Hampton, Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Hampton schools
Charlottesville
VA
Hampton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
65%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258).
Charlottesville
VA
Hampton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
I-64, I-664, Rt 258
Commuter Rail
None
None
Safety
Hampton is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 42% above Virginia average. Charlottesville is rated "Below Average" (32% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Charlottesville
VA
Hampton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.5/1K
3.8/1K
Property Crime
19.8/1K
20.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
32% above Virginia average
42% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Hampton more affordable?
Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $400K in Charlottesville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Hampton?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Hampton has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Hampton, Hampton High School and Phoebus 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 Hampton?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Hampton has no direct Metro access.
How do Charlottesville and Hampton 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. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.
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 June 2026.