Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $380K), a difference of about $580K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 22 in Chesapeake. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Chesapeake
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$380K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
12 days
Price Range
$175K–$1M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 79% in Chesapeake. Top schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Chesapeake schools | See Vienna schools
Chesapeake
VA
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
79%
92%
Top Schools
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Chesapeake is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Chesapeake (I-64, I-464, I-264), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Chesapeake
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-64, I-464, I-264, Rt 168, Rt 17
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Chesapeake. Transit scores: Chesapeake (8) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Great Bridge and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Chesapeake
VA
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
30
Bike Score
22
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.2/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
13.5/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
13% below Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Vienna more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Chesapeake or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 79% in Chesapeake. Top schools in Chesapeake include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Chesapeake or Vienna?
Chesapeake has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Chesapeake has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
Is Chesapeake or Vienna 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. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.