City Comparison

Henrico vs Norfolk: Which is right for your family?

Henrico County is a major Richmond suburb offering diverse neighborhoods from the urban-adjacent West End to the rural eastern reaches. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Henrico is pricier ($370K median vs $280K), a difference of about $90K. Henrico moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.

Henrico

VA

Norfolk

VA

Median Price

$370K

$280K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

24 days

Price Range

$150K–$1.2M

$100K–$1M

Top Neighborhoods

Short Pump, Glen Allen, West End, Innsbrook

Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place

Schools

Henrico leads on school quality with a 78% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Henrico include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. In Norfolk, families look to Maury High School and Granby High School. See Henrico schools | See Norfolk schools

Henrico

VA

Norfolk

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Average

Avg Pass Rate

78%

65%

Top Schools

Deep Run High School, Glen Allen High School, Mills Godwin High School

Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)

Pass Rate

78%
65%

Commute

Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~15 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Henrico (I-64, I-95, I-295), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).

Henrico

VA

Norfolk

VA

Drive to Downtown

~15 min

~10 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-64, I-95, I-295, Rt 250, Rt 33

I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Henrico or Norfolk more affordable?

Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $370K in Henrico. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Henrico prices range from $150K–$1.2M. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.

Which has better schools, Henrico or Norfolk?

Henrico has stronger schools overall, with a 78% average pass rate compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Henrico include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. In Norfolk, standout schools include Maury High School and Granby High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Henrico or Norfolk?

Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~15 minutes. Henrico has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.

Is Henrico or Norfolk better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Henrico County is a major Richmond suburb offering diverse neighborhoods from the urban-adjacent West End to the rural eastern reaches. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. 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.