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 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.
Fairfax
VA
Suffolk
VA
Median Price
$640K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
24 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$175K–$800K
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Fairfax schools | See Suffolk schools
Fairfax
VA
Suffolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
72%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Suffolk is closer to downtown at ~30 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), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).
Fairfax
VA
Suffolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 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
Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Suffolk more affordable?
Suffolk 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. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Suffolk?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High 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, Fairfax or Suffolk?
Suffolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Suffolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Fairfax and Suffolk compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.