Market Overview
Norfolk is pricier ($280K median vs $255K), a difference of about $25K. Norfolk moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.
Hampton
VA
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$255K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
24 days
Price Range
$80K–$650K
$100K–$1M
Notable Neighborhoods
Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Hampton has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. See Hampton schools | See Norfolk schools
Hampton
VA
Norfolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
65%
65%
Public schools
Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Hampton
VA
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~25 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-64, I-664, Rt 258
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
None
None
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Hampton and Norfolk. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Hampton
VA
Norfolk
VA
Reported Violent Crime
3.8/1K
4.2/1K
Reported Property Crime
20.2/1K
24.8/1K
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hampton or Norfolk more affordable?
Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $280K in Norfolk. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Hampton and Norfolk?
Hampton public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus 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, Hampton or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Hampton has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Hampton and Norfolk compare?
Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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 lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records 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 September 2026.