Market Overview
Dumfries is pricier ($450K median vs $380K), a difference of about $70K. Dumfries moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 22 in Chesapeake. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Chesapeake
VA
Dumfries
VA
Median Price
$380K
$450K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
20 days
Price Range
$175K–$1M
$200K–$750K
Notable Neighborhoods
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Montclair, Potomac Club, Triangle, Cherry Hill
Schools
Chesapeake has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Dumfries has 71% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School; in Dumfries, Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. See Chesapeake schools | See Dumfries schools
Chesapeake
VA
Dumfries
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
71%
Public schools
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
Forest Park High School, Graham Park Middle School, Leesylvania Elementary
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Chesapeake is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Chesapeake (I-64, I-464, I-264), Dumfries (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234).
Chesapeake
VA
Dumfries
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-64, I-464, I-264, Rt 168, Rt 17
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Dumfries more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, compared to $450K in Dumfries. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M. Dumfries prices range from $200K–$750K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chesapeake and Dumfries?
Chesapeake public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Dumfries has 71% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School; in Dumfries, Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Chesapeake or Dumfries?
Chesapeake has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Chesapeake has no direct Metro access. Dumfries has no direct Metro access.
How do Chesapeake and Dumfries compare?
Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, public schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records 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 September 2026.