City Comparison

Henrico vs Suffolk: 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. 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 $370K), a difference of about $0K. Henrico moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Henrico offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.

Henrico

VA

Suffolk

VA

Median Price

$370K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

24 days

Price Range

$150K–$1.2M

$175K–$800K

Top Neighborhoods

Short Pump, Glen Allen, West End, Innsbrook

Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront

Schools

Henrico leads on school quality with a 78% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Suffolk. Top schools in Henrico include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. In Suffolk, families look to Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Henrico schools | See Suffolk schools

Henrico

VA

Suffolk

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

78%

72%

Top Schools

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

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

Pass Rate

78%
72%

Commute

Henrico is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Henrico (I-64, I-95, I-295), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).

Henrico

VA

Suffolk

VA

Drive to Downtown

~15 min

~30 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

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

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

Find agents in Henrico

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Henrico.

View top agents

VA

Find agents in Suffolk

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Suffolk.

View top agents

Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Henrico or Suffolk more affordable?

Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.

Which has better schools, Henrico or Suffolk?

Henrico has stronger schools overall, with a 78% average pass rate compared to 72% in Suffolk. Top schools in Henrico include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. In Suffolk, standout schools include Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Henrico or Suffolk?

Henrico has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Henrico has no direct Metro access. Suffolk has no direct Metro access.

Is Henrico or Suffolk 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. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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.