City Comparison

Dumfries vs Hampton: Which is right for your family?

Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Dumfries is pricier ($450K median vs $255K), a difference of about $195K. Dumfries moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.

Dumfries

VA

Hampton

VA

Median Price

$450K

$255K

Avg Days on Market

20 days

25 days

Price Range

$200K–$750K

$80K–$650K

Top Neighborhoods

Montclair, Potomac Club, Triangle, Cherry Hill

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

Schools

Dumfries leads on school quality with a 71% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. In Hampton, families look to Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Dumfries schools | See Hampton schools

Dumfries

VA

Hampton

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Average

Avg Pass Rate

71%

65%

Top Schools

Forest Park High School, Graham Park Middle School, Leesylvania Elementary

Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School

Pass Rate

71%
65%

Commute

Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Dumfries (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234), Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258).

Dumfries

VA

Hampton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234

I-64, I-664, Rt 258

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dumfries or Hampton more affordable?

Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $450K in Dumfries. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Dumfries prices range from $200K–$750K. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K.

Which has better schools, Dumfries or Hampton?

Dumfries has stronger schools overall, with a 71% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School. In Hampton, standout schools include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Dumfries or Hampton?

Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Dumfries has no direct Metro access. Hampton has no direct Metro access.

Is Dumfries or Hampton better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.