Market Overview
Chesterfield's median sold price is $400K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Fairfax is at $765K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Fairfax is pricier ($765K median vs $400K), a difference of about $365K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 37 in Chesterfield. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.
Chesterfield
VA
Fairfax
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$400K
$765K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
37 days
26 days
Price Range
$150K–$900K
$350K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Chesterfield has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Chesterfield schools | See Fairfax schools
Chesterfield
VA
Fairfax
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
87%
Public schools
Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Chesterfield is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Chesterfield
VA
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-95, I-295, Rt 1, Rt 10, Rt 360
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
Search homes in Chesterfield
See active homes, then keep your shortlist and decisions together.
View homesVA
Search homes in Fairfax
See active homes, then keep your shortlist and decisions together.
View homesDecided between Chesterfield and Fairfax? See how buying a home works on smover.
Related Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesterfield or Fairfax more affordable?
Chesterfield is more affordable with a median sold price of $400K, compared to $765K in Fairfax (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chesterfield and Fairfax?
Chesterfield public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Chesterfield or Fairfax?
Chesterfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
How do Chesterfield and Fairfax compare?
Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, with new construction and a range of housing prices south of the James River. Fairfax combines public-school access, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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.