Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $380K), a difference of about $330K. Chesapeake moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Chesapeake
VA
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$380K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
23 days
Price Range
$175K–$1M
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Chesapeake. Top schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. In Herndon, families look to Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Chesapeake schools | See Herndon schools
Chesapeake
VA
Herndon
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
80%
Top Schools
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Chesapeake is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Chesapeake (I-64, I-464, I-264), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Chesapeake
VA
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-64, I-464, I-264, Rt 168, Rt 17
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Chesapeake. Transit scores: Chesapeake (8) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Great Bridge and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Chesapeake
VA
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
28
Bike Score
22
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Chesapeake is rated "Safe" (13% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Chesapeake
VA
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.2/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
13.5/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
13% below Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Herndon more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
Which has better schools, Chesapeake or Herndon?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 79% in Chesapeake. Top schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. In Herndon, standout schools include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Chesapeake or Herndon?
Chesapeake has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Chesapeake has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
Is Chesapeake or Herndon better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, excellent schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.