Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $380K), a difference of about $260K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 22 in Chesapeake. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Chesapeake
VA
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$380K
$640K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
14 days
Price Range
$175K–$1M
$350K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Chesapeake has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Chesapeake schools | See Fairfax schools
Chesapeake
VA
Fairfax
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
87%
Public schools
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
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 ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Chesapeake (I-64, I-464, I-264), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Chesapeake
VA
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-64, I-464, I-264, Rt 168, Rt 17
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Chesapeake. Transit scores: Chesapeake (8) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Great Bridge and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Chesapeake
VA
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
28
Bike Score
22
42
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Chesapeake and Fairfax. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Chesapeake
VA
Fairfax
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.2/1K
0.8/1K
Reported Property Crime
13.5/1K
10.2/1K
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Fairfax more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chesapeake and Fairfax?
Chesapeake public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Chesapeake or Fairfax?
Chesapeake has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Chesapeake has no direct Metro access. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
How do Chesapeake and Fairfax compare?
Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, public schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. Fairfax combines public-school access, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.