Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $380K), a difference of about $190K. Reston 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
Reston
VA
Median Price
$380K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
14 days
Price Range
$175K–$1M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Chesapeake. Top schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Chesapeake schools | See Reston schools
Chesapeake
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
83%
Top Schools
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Chesapeake is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Chesapeake (I-64, I-464, I-264), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Chesapeake
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-64, I-464, I-264, Rt 168, Rt 17
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Chesapeake. Transit scores: Chesapeake (8) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Great Bridge and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Chesapeake
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
35
Bike Score
22
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.2/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
13.5/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
13% below Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Reston more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Chesapeake or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 79% in Chesapeake. Top schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Chesapeake or Reston?
Chesapeake has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Chesapeake has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
Is Chesapeake or Reston 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. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.