City Comparison

Chesterfield vs Herndon: How they 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. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $350K), a difference of about $360K. Chesterfield moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.

Chesterfield

VA

Herndon

VA

Median Price

$350K

$710K

Avg Days on Market

17 days

23 days

Price Range

$150K–$900K

$175K–$2.2M

Top Neighborhoods

Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley

Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster

Schools

Chesterfield has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Chesterfield schools | See Herndon schools

Chesterfield

VA

Herndon

VA

Avg Pass Rate

79%

80%

Public schools

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

Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary

Pass Rate

79%
80%

Commute

Chesterfield is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).

Chesterfield

VA

Herndon

VA

Drive to Downtown

~20 min

~35 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)

Metro Lines

N/A

Silver

Major Highways

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

Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chesterfield or Herndon more affordable?

Chesterfield is more affordable with a median home price of $350K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Chesterfield and Herndon?

Chesterfield public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson 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 Herndon?

Chesterfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).

How do Chesterfield and Herndon 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. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.

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Chesterfield vs Herndon: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover