Market Overview
Suffolk is pricier ($370K median vs $280K), a difference of about $90K. Both cities average 24 days on market. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Norfolk
VA
Suffolk
VA
Median Price
$280K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
24 days
24 days
Price Range
$100K–$1M
$175K–$800K
Top Neighborhoods
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront
Schools
Norfolk has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. See Norfolk schools | See Suffolk schools
Norfolk
VA
Suffolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
65%
72%
Public schools
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564), Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460).
Norfolk
VA
Suffolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 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
Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
Find agents in Norfolk
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Norfolk.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Suffolk
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Suffolk.
View agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Suffolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $370K in Suffolk. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Norfolk and Suffolk?
Norfolk public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Suffolk has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Suffolk, Nansemond River High School and King's Fork 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 Suffolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Norfolk has no direct Metro access. Suffolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Norfolk and Suffolk compare?
Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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.