Market Overview
Chesterfield's median sold price is $400K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Stafford is at $545K and 37 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Stafford is pricier ($545K median vs $400K), a difference of about $145K. Both cities average 37 days on market. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.
Chesterfield
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$400K
$545K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
37 days
37 days
Price Range
$150K–$900K
$108K–$1.3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Chesterfield has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Chesterfield schools | See Stafford schools
Chesterfield
VA
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
77%
Public schools
Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Chesterfield is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Chesterfield
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~55 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, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesterfield or Stafford more affordable?
Chesterfield is more affordable with a median sold price of $400K, compared to $545K in Stafford (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Chesterfield and Stafford?
Chesterfield public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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 Stafford?
Chesterfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
How do Chesterfield and Stafford 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. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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.