Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $255K), a difference of about $385K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.
Fairfax
VA
Hampton
VA
Median Price
$640K
$255K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
25 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$80K–$650K
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Hampton, families look to Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. See Fairfax schools | See Hampton schools
Fairfax
VA
Hampton
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Average
Avg Pass Rate
87%
65%
Top Schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258).
Fairfax
VA
Hampton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
I-64, I-664, Rt 258
Commuter Rail
None
None
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% below Virginia average. Hampton is rated "Below Average" (42% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Fairfax
VA
Hampton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
3.8/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
20.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
42% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Hampton more affordable?
Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Hampton?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High 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, Fairfax or Hampton?
Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Hampton has no direct Metro access.
Is Fairfax or Hampton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.