Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $280K), a difference of about $360K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Fairfax
VA
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$640K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
24 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$100K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. See Fairfax schools | See Norfolk schools
Fairfax
VA
Norfolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
65%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 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), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Fairfax
VA
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 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-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Fairfax. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
22
Bike Score
42
48
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% below Virginia average. Norfolk is rated "Below Average" (72% 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
Norfolk
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
4.2/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
24.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
72% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, 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. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Norfolk?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Fairfax and Norfolk compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. 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.