Market Overview
Fredericksburg is pricier ($477K median vs $280K), a difference of about $197K. Norfolk moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Fredericksburg
VA
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$477K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
29 days
24 days
Price Range
$151K–$3.8M
$100K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Fredericksburg has a 73% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Norfolk schools
Fredericksburg
VA
Norfolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
73%
65%
Public schools
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Fredericksburg
VA
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Fredericksburg. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Fredericksburg
VA
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
22
Bike Score
38
48
Safety
Norfolk is rated "Below Average" with a total crime rate 72% above Virginia average. Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" (47% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Fredericksburg
VA
Norfolk
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.8/1K
4.2/1K
Property Crime
22.1/1K
24.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
47% above Virginia average
72% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fredericksburg or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $477K in Fredericksburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fredericksburg and Norfolk?
Fredericksburg public schools have a 73% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle 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, Fredericksburg or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Fredericksburg and Norfolk compare?
Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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.