Market Overview
Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $280K), a difference of about $288K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Manassas
VA
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$568K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
24 days
Price Range
$60K–$1.9M
$100K–$1M
Notable Neighborhoods
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Manassas has a 72% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. See Manassas schools | See Norfolk schools
Manassas
VA
Norfolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
72%
65%
Public schools
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Manassas
VA
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 38 in Manassas. Transit scores: Manassas (15) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town Manassas and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Manassas
VA
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
22
Bike Score
35
48
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Manassas and Norfolk. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Manassas
VA
Norfolk
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.8/1K
4.2/1K
Reported Property Crime
16.2/1K
24.8/1K
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manassas or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $568K in Manassas. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Manassas and Norfolk?
Manassas public schools have a 72% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz 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, Manassas or Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Manassas has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Manassas and Norfolk compare?
Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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 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.