City Comparison

Suffolk vs Vienna: Which is right for your family?

Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $370K), a difference of about $590K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 24 in Suffolk. Suffolk offers a lower entry point at $175K–$800K.

Suffolk

VA

Vienna

VA

Median Price

$370K

$960K

Avg Days on Market

24 days

12 days

Price Range

$175K–$800K

$500K–$2.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront

Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights

Schools

Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 72% in Suffolk. Top schools in Suffolk include Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Suffolk schools | See Vienna schools

Suffolk

VA

Vienna

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Excellent

Avg Pass Rate

72%

92%

Top Schools

Nansemond River High School, King's Fork High School, Lakeland High School

James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary

Pass Rate

72%
92%

Commute

Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).

Suffolk

VA

Vienna

VA

Drive to Downtown

~30 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)

Metro Lines

N/A

Orange

Major Highways

Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460, I-664

I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Suffolk or Vienna more affordable?

Suffolk is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.

Which has better schools, Suffolk or Vienna?

Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 72% in Suffolk. Top schools in Suffolk include Nansemond River High School and King's Fork 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, Suffolk or Vienna?

Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Suffolk has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).

Is Suffolk or Vienna better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. 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.