Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $280K), a difference of about $423K. Springfield 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
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$280K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
24 days
16 days
Price Range
$100K–$1M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Norfolk has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Springfield has 82% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Springfield, West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Norfolk schools | See Springfield schools
Norfolk
VA
Springfield
VA
Avg Pass Rate
65%
82%
Public schools
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Norfolk
VA
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
N/A
Blue
Major Highways
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Springfield. Transit scores: Norfolk (22) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ghent and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Norfolk
VA
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
28
Bike Score
48
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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.
Norfolk
VA
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
4.2/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
24.8/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
72% above Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Springfield more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Norfolk and Springfield?
Norfolk public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Springfield has 82% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Springfield, West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee 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 Springfield?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Norfolk has no direct Metro access. Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
How do Norfolk and Springfield compare?
Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.
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 June 2026.