Market Overview
Williamsburg is pricier ($370K median vs $280K), a difference of about $90K. Norfolk moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Norfolk
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Median Price
$280K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
24 days
28 days
Price Range
$100K–$1M
$150K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony
Schools
Norfolk has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Norfolk schools | See Williamsburg schools
Norfolk
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
65%
84%
Public schools
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).
Norfolk
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~25 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
I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199
Commuter Rail
None
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 35 in Williamsburg. Transit scores: Norfolk (22) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ghent and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.
Norfolk
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
10
Bike Score
48
42
Safety
Williamsburg is rated "Average" with a total crime rate Near 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
Williamsburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
4.2/1K
1.2/1K
Property Crime
24.8/1K
15.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
72% above Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Williamsburg more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, compared to $370K in Williamsburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Norfolk and Williamsburg?
Norfolk public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Norfolk include Maury High School and Granby High School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill 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 Williamsburg?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Norfolk has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Norfolk and Williamsburg compare?
Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.