City Comparison

Hampton vs Leesburg: Which is right for your family?

Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $255K), a difference of about $615K. Leesburg moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.

Hampton

VA

Leesburg

VA

Median Price

$255K

$870K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

22 days

Price Range

$80K–$650K

$150K–$5.8M

Top Neighborhoods

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road

Schools

Leesburg leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. In Leesburg, families look to Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. See Hampton schools | See Leesburg schools

Hampton

VA

Leesburg

VA

Quality Tier

Average

Excellent

Avg Pass Rate

65%

88%

Top Schools

Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School

Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School

Pass Rate

65%
88%

Commute

Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258), Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway).

Hampton

VA

Leesburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~25 min

~50 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-64, I-664, Rt 258

Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway

Commuter Rail

None

None

Safety

Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% below Virginia average. Hampton is rated "Below Average" (42% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Hampton

VA

Leesburg

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

3.8/1K

0.5/1K

Property Crime

20.2/1K

7.8/1K

vs Virginia Avg

42% above Virginia average

51% below Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hampton or Leesburg more affordable?

Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M.

Which has better schools, Hampton or Leesburg?

Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. In Leesburg, standout schools include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Hampton or Leesburg?

Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Hampton has no direct Metro access. Leesburg has no direct Metro access.

Is Hampton or Leesburg better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.