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
Norfolk has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Norfolk schools | See Vienna schools
Norfolk
VA
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
65%
92%
Public 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Norfolk and Vienna?
Norfolk public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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).
How do Norfolk and Vienna compare?
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 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.