City Comparison

Suffolk vs Winchester: How they compare

Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. Winchester is a historic Shenandoah Valley city known for apple orchards, Civil War heritage, and a revitalized downtown. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Suffolk is pricier ($370K median vs $310K), a difference of about $60K. Suffolk moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 25 in Winchester. Winchester offers a lower entry point at $150K–$700K.

Suffolk

VA

Winchester

VA

Median Price

$370K

$310K

Avg Days on Market

24 days

25 days

Price Range

$175K–$800K

$150K–$700K

Top Neighborhoods

Harbour View, Bennetts Creek, Godwin Boulevard, Riverfront

Old Town, Stonewall Industrial, Kernstown, Meadow Branch

Schools

Suffolk has a 72% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Suffolk include Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School. See Suffolk schools | See Winchester schools

Suffolk

VA

Winchester

VA

Avg Pass Rate

72%

75%

Public schools

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

John Handley High School, Daniel Morgan Middle School, Quarles Elementary

Pass Rate

72%
75%

Commute

Winchester is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Suffolk (Rt 58, Rt 13, Rt 460), Winchester (I-81, Rt 7, Rt 11).

Suffolk

VA

Winchester

VA

Drive to Downtown

~30 min

~10 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

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

I-81, Rt 7, Rt 11, Rt 50, Rt 522

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Suffolk or Winchester more affordable?

Winchester is more affordable with a median home price of $310K, compared to $370K in Suffolk. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Suffolk prices range from $175K–$800K. Winchester prices range from $150K–$700K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Suffolk and Winchester?

Suffolk public schools have a 72% average SOL pass rate; Winchester has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Suffolk include Nansemond River High School and King's Fork High School; in Winchester, John Handley High School and Daniel Morgan Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Suffolk or Winchester?

Winchester has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Suffolk has no direct Metro access. Winchester has no direct Metro access.

How do Suffolk and Winchester compare?

Suffolk is the largest city by area in Virginia, offering a mix of new construction communities and rural charm. Winchester is a historic Shenandoah Valley city known for apple orchards, Civil War heritage, and a revitalized downtown. 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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Suffolk vs Winchester: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover