Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $280K), a difference of about $430K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Herndon
VA
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$710K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
23 days
24 days
Price Range
$175K–$2.2M
$100K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Herndon leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Norfolk, families look to Maury High School and Granby High School. See Herndon schools | See Norfolk schools
Herndon
VA
Norfolk
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Average
Avg Pass Rate
80%
65%
Top Schools
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Herndon
VA
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 40 in Herndon. Transit scores: Herndon (28) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Herndon
VA
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
22
Bike Score
45
48
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% below Virginia average. Norfolk is rated "Below Average" (72% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Herndon
VA
Norfolk
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
4.2/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
24.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
19% below Virginia average
72% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herndon or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Herndon or Norfolk?
Herndon has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle 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, Herndon or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
Is Herndon or Norfolk better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.