Market Overview
Richmond is pricier ($355K median vs $350K), a difference of about $5K. Chesterfield moves faster, with homes averaging 17 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.
Chesterfield
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$350K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
17 days
18 days
Price Range
$150K–$900K
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Chesterfield leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. In Richmond, families look to Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Chesterfield schools | See Richmond schools
Chesterfield
VA
Richmond
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Average
Avg Pass Rate
79%
67%
Top Schools
Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond 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), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Chesterfield
VA
Richmond
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-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
Find agents in Chesterfield
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Chesterfield.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Richmond
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Richmond.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesterfield or Richmond more affordable?
Chesterfield is more affordable with a median home price of $350K, compared to $355K in Richmond. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Chesterfield or Richmond?
Chesterfield has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 67% in Richmond. Top schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School. In Richmond, standout schools include Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Chesterfield or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access. Richmond has no direct Metro access.
Is Chesterfield or Richmond 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. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. 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.