City Comparison

Norfolk vs Warrenton: How they compare

Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Warrenton is pricier ($500K median vs $280K), a difference of about $220K. Norfolk moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.

Norfolk

VA

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$280K

$500K

Avg Days on Market

24 days

28 days

Price Range

$100K–$1M

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Norfolk has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Norfolk schools | See Warrenton schools

Norfolk

VA

Warrenton

VA

Avg Pass Rate

65%

78%

Public schools

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

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

65%
78%

Commute

Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Norfolk

VA

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~10 min

~60 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 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

None

None

Walkability

Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 32 in Warrenton. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ghent and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

Norfolk

VA

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

48

28

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norfolk or Warrenton more affordable?

Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $500K in Warrenton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

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

Norfolk public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor 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 Warrenton?

Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Norfolk has no direct Metro access. Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

How do Norfolk and Warrenton compare?

Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.

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Norfolk vs Warrenton: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover