City Comparison

Norfolk vs Severn: How they compare

Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County near Fort Meade and the NSA, with access to Baltimore and D. The details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

Market Overview

Severn is pricier ($430K median vs $280K), a difference of about $150K. Severn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.

Norfolk

VA

Severn

MD

Median Price

$280K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

24 days

16 days

Price Range

$100K–$1M

$200K–$750K

Notable Neighborhoods

Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Norfolk has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Norfolk schools | See Severn schools

Norfolk

VA

Severn

MD

Avg Pass Rate

65%

77%

Public schools

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

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

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 ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Norfolk

VA

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~10 min

~40 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

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

I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

Search homes in Norfolk

See active homes, then keep your shortlist and decisions together.

View homes

MD

Search homes in Severn

See active homes, then keep your shortlist and decisions together.

View homes

Decided between Norfolk and Severn? See how buying a home works on smover.

Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norfolk or Severn more affordable?

Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $430K in Severn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Norfolk and Severn?

Norfolk public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Norfolk or Severn?

Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Norfolk has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.

How do Norfolk and Severn compare?

Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County near Fort Meade and the NSA, with access to Baltimore and D. 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.

Stay ahead of the market

Join buyers, sellers, and agents across Northern Virginia getting weekly market updates, new listings, and tips. Free, every Monday.

Trusted in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and 19 more cities

Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your inbox.

Take ownership of your move.

Search, save, choose your people, and organize the dates, documents, and updates that follow.