Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $370K), a difference of about $270K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Henrico. Henrico offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.2M.
Fairfax
VA
Henrico
VA
Median Price
$640K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
16 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$150K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Short Pump, Glen Allen, West End, Innsbrook
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 78% in Henrico. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Henrico, families look to Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. See Fairfax schools | See Henrico schools
Fairfax
VA
Henrico
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
87%
78%
Top Schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Deep Run High School, Glen Allen High School, Mills Godwin High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Henrico is closer to downtown at ~15 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), Henrico (I-64, I-95, I-295).
Fairfax
VA
Henrico
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~15 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-95, I-295, Rt 250, Rt 33
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Henrico more affordable?
Henrico is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Henrico prices range from $150K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Fairfax or Henrico?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 78% in Henrico. Top schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. In Henrico, standout schools include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Henrico?
Henrico has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Henrico has no direct Metro access.
Is Fairfax or Henrico better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Henrico County is a major Richmond suburb offering diverse neighborhoods from the urban-adjacent West End to the rural eastern reaches. 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.