City Comparison

Hampton vs Suffolk: How they compare

Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Suffolk is pricier ($370K median vs $255K), a difference of about $115K. Suffolk 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

Suffolk

VA

Median Price

$255K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

24 days

Price Range

$80K–$650K

$175K–$800K

Top Neighborhoods

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront

Schools

Hampton has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Hampton schools | See Suffolk schools

Hampton

VA

Suffolk

VA

Avg Pass Rate

65%

72%

Public schools

Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School

Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School

Pass Rate

65%
72%

Commute

Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).

Hampton

VA

Suffolk

VA

Drive to Downtown

~25 min

~30 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-64, I-664, Rt 258

Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hampton or Suffolk more affordable?

Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $370K in Suffolk. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Hampton and Suffolk?

Hampton public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus 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, Hampton or Suffolk?

Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Hampton has no direct Metro access. Suffolk has no direct Metro access.

How do Hampton and Suffolk compare?

Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.

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Hampton vs Suffolk: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover