Market Overview
Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $380K), a difference of about $188K. Both cities average 22 days on market. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Chesapeake
VA
Manassas
VA
Median Price
$380K
$568K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
22 days
Price Range
$175K–$1M
$60K–$1.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Chesapeake leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Chesapeake schools | See Manassas schools
Chesapeake
VA
Manassas
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
72%
Top Schools
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
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), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Chesapeake
VA
Manassas
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-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Chesapeake. Transit scores: Chesapeake (8) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Great Bridge and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Chesapeake
VA
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
15
Bike Score
22
35
Safety
Chesapeake is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 13% below Virginia average. Manassas is rated "Average" (7% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Chesapeake
VA
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.2/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
13.5/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
13% below Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Chesapeake
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Chesapeake.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Manassas
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Manassas.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Manassas more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, compared to $568K in Manassas. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
Which has better schools, Chesapeake or Manassas?
Chesapeake has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Chesapeake or Manassas?
Chesapeake has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Chesapeake has no direct Metro access. Manassas has no direct Metro access.
Is Chesapeake or Manassas 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. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.