Market Overview
Suffolk is pricier ($370K median vs $300K), a difference of about $70K. Both cities average 24 days on market. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Harrisonburg
VA
Suffolk
VA
Median Price
$300K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
24 days
24 days
Price Range
$150K–$600K
$175K–$800K
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront
Schools
Harrisonburg has a 74% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Harrisonburg schools | See Suffolk schools
Harrisonburg
VA
Suffolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
74%
72%
Public schools
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).
Harrisonburg
VA
Suffolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 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
Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisonburg or Suffolk more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, compared to $370K in Suffolk. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Harrisonburg and Suffolk?
Harrisonburg public schools have a 74% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle 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, Harrisonburg or Suffolk?
Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access. Suffolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Harrisonburg and Suffolk compare?
Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison 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 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.