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
Notable Neighborhoods
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Chesapeake has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Chesapeake schools | See Herndon schools
Chesapeake
VA
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
80%
Public schools
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville 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 ~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
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Chesapeake and Herndon. 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
Herndon
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.2/1K
0.9/1K
Reported Property Crime
13.5/1K
12.8/1K
VA
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Related Comparisons
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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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chesapeake and Herndon?
Chesapeake public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson 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 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).
How do Chesapeake and Herndon compare?
Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, public schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.