City Comparison

Chesterfield vs Hampton: Which is right for your family?

Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, strong schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Chesterfield is pricier ($350K median vs $255K), a difference of about $95K. Chesterfield moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.

Chesterfield

VA

Hampton

VA

Median Price

$350K

$255K

Avg Days on Market

17 days

25 days

Price Range

$150K–$900K

$80K–$650K

Top Neighborhoods

Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

Schools

Chesterfield leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. In Hampton, families look to Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Chesterfield schools | See Hampton schools

Chesterfield

VA

Hampton

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Average

Avg Pass Rate

79%

65%

Top Schools

Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School

Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School

Pass Rate

79%
65%

Commute

Chesterfield is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1), Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258).

Chesterfield

VA

Hampton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~20 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, I-295, Rt 1, Rt 10, Rt 360

I-64, I-664, Rt 258

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chesterfield or Hampton more affordable?

Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $350K in Chesterfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K.

Which has better schools, Chesterfield or Hampton?

Chesterfield has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. In Hampton, standout schools include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Chesterfield or Hampton?

Chesterfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access. Hampton has no direct Metro access.

Is Chesterfield or Hampton better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, strong schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.