Market Overview
Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $380K), a difference of about $180K. Chesapeake moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Chesapeake
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$380K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
27 days
Price Range
$175K–$1M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Chesapeake has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Chesapeake schools | See Stafford schools
Chesapeake
VA
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
77%
Public schools
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Chesapeake is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Chesapeake (I-64, I-464, I-264), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Chesapeake
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~55 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-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Chesapeake is more walkable with a Walk Score of 18 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Chesapeake (8) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Great Bridge and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Chesapeake
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
8
Bike Score
22
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.2/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
13.5/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
13% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Chesapeake
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Chesapeake.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Stafford
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Stafford.
View agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Stafford more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, compared to $560K in Stafford. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chesapeake and Stafford?
Chesapeake public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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 Stafford?
Chesapeake has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Chesapeake has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
How do Chesapeake and Stafford compare?
Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, public schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent 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 June 2026.