Market Overview
Gainesville is pricier ($650K median vs $370K), a difference of about $280K. Both cities average 16 days on market. Henrico offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.2M.
Gainesville
VA
Henrico
VA
Median Price
$650K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
16 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$150K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Short Pump, Glen Allen, West End, Innsbrook
Schools
Gainesville leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 78% in Henrico. Top schools in Gainesville include Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. In Henrico, families look to Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. See Gainesville schools | See Henrico schools
Gainesville
VA
Henrico
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
78%
Top Schools
Gainesville High School, Battlefield High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle 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 ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Gainesville (I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55), Henrico (I-64, I-95, I-295).
Gainesville
VA
Henrico
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~15 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55
I-64, I-95, I-295, Rt 250, Rt 33
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
VA
Find agents in Gainesville
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Gainesville.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Henrico
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Henrico.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gainesville or Henrico more affordable?
Henrico is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $650K in Gainesville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gainesville prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Henrico prices range from $150K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Gainesville or Henrico?
Gainesville has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 78% in Henrico. Top schools in Gainesville include Gainesville High School and Battlefield 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, Gainesville or Henrico?
Henrico has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Gainesville has no direct Metro access. Henrico has no direct Metro access.
Is Gainesville or Henrico better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Gainesville is a booming community in western Prince William County along the I-66 corridor. 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.