Market Overview
Chesterfield is pricier ($350K median vs $280K), a difference of about $70K. Chesterfield moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Chesterfield
VA
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$350K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
17 days
24 days
Price Range
$150K–$900K
$100K–$1M
Notable Neighborhoods
Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Chesterfield has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. See Chesterfield schools | See Norfolk schools
Chesterfield
VA
Norfolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
65%
Public schools
Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Norfolk 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), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Chesterfield
VA
Norfolk
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-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesterfield or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, 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. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chesterfield and Norfolk?
Chesterfield public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby 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 Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Chesterfield and Norfolk 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. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. 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.
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 September 2026.