City Comparison

Newport News vs Stafford: How they compare

Newport News stretches from the James River to the Chesapeake Bay, anchored by Newport News Shipbuilding, one of the nation's largest industrial employers. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Newport News's median sold price is $301K with homes averaging 40 days on market; Stafford is at $545K and 36 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Stafford is pricier ($545K median vs $301K), a difference of about $245K. Stafford moves faster, with homes averaging 36 days on market compared to 40 in Newport News. Newport News offers a lower entry point at $100K–$700K.

Newport News

VA

Stafford

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$301K

$545K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

40 days

36 days

Price Range

$100K–$700K

$108K–$1.3M

Notable Neighborhoods

Hilton Village, Oyster Point, Denbigh, Kiln Creek

Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Newport News or Stafford more affordable?

Newport News is more affordable with a median sold price of $301K, compared to $545K in Stafford (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Newport News prices range from $100K–$700K. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.

How do Newport News and Stafford compare?

Newport News stretches from the James River to the Chesapeake Bay, anchored by Newport News Shipbuilding, one of the nation's largest industrial employers. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.

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Newport News vs Stafford: $301K vs $545K (2026) | smover