Market Overview
Chesterfield is pricier ($350K median vs $300K), a difference of about $50K. Chesterfield moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 24 in Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Chesterfield
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Median Price
$350K
$300K
Avg Days on Market
17 days
24 days
Price Range
$150K–$900K
$150K–$600K
Top Neighborhoods
Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Schools
Chesterfield has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. See Chesterfield schools | See Harrisonburg schools
Chesterfield
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
74%
Public schools
Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1), Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11).
Chesterfield
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~10 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-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
Find agents in Chesterfield
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Chesterfield.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Harrisonburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Harrisonburg.
View agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesterfield or Harrisonburg more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, 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. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chesterfield and Harrisonburg?
Chesterfield public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Chesterfield or Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Chesterfield and Harrisonburg compare?
Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, public schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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.