Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $280K), a difference of about $680K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Norfolk
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$280K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
24 days
12 days
Price Range
$100K–$1M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Norfolk schools | See Vienna schools
Norfolk
VA
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
65%
92%
Top Schools
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Norfolk
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 42 in Norfolk. Transit scores: Norfolk (22) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ghent and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Norfolk
VA
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
30
Bike Score
48
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
4.2/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
24.8/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
72% above Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Vienna more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Norfolk or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 65% in Norfolk. Top schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Norfolk or Vienna?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Norfolk has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
Is Norfolk or Vienna better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
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 March 2026.