City Comparison

Dumfries vs Suffolk: How they compare

Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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 $370K), a difference of about $80K. Dumfries moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.

Dumfries

VA

Suffolk

VA

Median Price

$450K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

20 days

24 days

Price Range

$200K–$750K

$175K–$800K

Top Neighborhoods

Montclair, Potomac Club, Triangle, Cherry Hill

Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront

Schools

Dumfries has a 71% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Dumfries schools | See Suffolk schools

Dumfries

VA

Suffolk

VA

Avg Pass Rate

71%

72%

Public schools

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

Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School

Pass Rate

71%
72%

Commute

Suffolk is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Dumfries (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).

Dumfries

VA

Suffolk

VA

Drive to Downtown

~45 min

~30 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234

Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dumfries or Suffolk more affordable?

Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Dumfries and Suffolk?

Dumfries public schools have a 71% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Dumfries or Suffolk?

Suffolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Dumfries has no direct Metro access. Suffolk has no direct Metro access.

How do Dumfries and Suffolk compare?

Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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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Dumfries vs Suffolk: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover