City Comparison

Hampton vs Williamsburg: 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. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Williamsburg is pricier ($370K median vs $255K), a difference of about $115K. Hampton moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.

Hampton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Median Price

$255K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

25 days

28 days

Price Range

$80K–$650K

$150K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony

Schools

Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Hampton schools | See Williamsburg schools

Hampton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Quality Tier

Average

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

65%

84%

Top Schools

Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

65%
84%

Commute

Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Hampton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~25 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-64, I-664, Rt 258

I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

None

None

Safety

Williamsburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near 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

Williamsburg

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Average

Violent Crime

3.8/1K

1.2/1K

Property Crime

20.2/1K

15.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

42% above Virginia average

Near Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hampton or Williamsburg more affordable?

Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $370K in Williamsburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

Which has better schools, Hampton or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 65% in Hampton. Top schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School. In Williamsburg, standout schools include Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Hampton or Williamsburg?

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

Is Hampton or Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.