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 leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Hampton, families look to Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Hampton schools
Charlottesville
VA
Hampton
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Average
Avg Pass Rate
80%
65%
Top 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.
Which has better schools, Charlottesville or Hampton?
Charlottesville has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. In Hampton, standout schools include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Charlottesville or Hampton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 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.