Market Overview
Charlottesville is pricier ($400K median vs $370K), a difference of about $30K. Charlottesville moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.
Charlottesville
VA
Suffolk
VA
Median Price
$400K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
24 days
Price Range
$175K–$2M
$175K–$800K
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront
Schools
Charlottesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Charlottesville schools | See Suffolk schools
Charlottesville
VA
Suffolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
72%
Public schools
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).
Charlottesville
VA
Suffolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville or Suffolk more affordable?
Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Charlottesville and Suffolk?
Charlottesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Charlottesville include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork 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 Suffolk?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access. Suffolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Charlottesville and Suffolk 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. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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.