Market Overview
Harrisonburg is pricier ($300K median vs $280K), a difference of about $20K. Both cities average 24 days on market. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Harrisonburg
VA
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$300K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
24 days
24 days
Price Range
$150K–$600K
$100K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Harrisonburg has a 74% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. See Harrisonburg schools | See Norfolk schools
Harrisonburg
VA
Norfolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
74%
65%
Public schools
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~10 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Harrisonburg
VA
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisonburg or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $300K in Harrisonburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Harrisonburg and Norfolk?
Harrisonburg public schools have a 74% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle 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, Harrisonburg or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~10 minutes. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Harrisonburg and Norfolk compare?
Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison 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 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.