City Comparison

Fairfax vs Newport News: Which is right for your family?

Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Newport News stretches from the James River to the Chesapeake Bay, anchored by Newport News Shipbuilding, one of the nation's largest industrial employers. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $270K), a difference of about $370K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 26 in Newport News. Newport News offers a lower entry point at $100K–$700K.

Fairfax

VA

Newport News

VA

Median Price

$640K

$270K

Avg Days on Market

14 days

26 days

Price Range

$350K–$1.5M

$100K–$700K

Top Neighborhoods

Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills

Hilton Village, Oyster Point, Denbigh, Kiln Creek

VA

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VA

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Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fairfax or Newport News more affordable?

Newport News is more affordable with a median home price of $270K, 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. Newport News prices range from $100K–$700K.

Is Fairfax or Newport News better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Newport News stretches from the James River to the Chesapeake Bay, anchored by Newport News Shipbuilding, one of the nation's largest industrial employers. 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.