Market Overview
Alexandria's median sold price is $675K with homes averaging 32 days on market; Bowie is at $505K and 38 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Alexandria is pricier ($675K median vs $505K), a difference of about $170K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 32 days on market compared to 38 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Alexandria
VA
Bowie
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$675K
$505K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
32 days
38 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$200K–$900K
Notable Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Bowie has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Bowie, Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. See Alexandria schools | See Bowie schools
Alexandria
VA
Bowie
MD
Avg Pass Rate
78%
75%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495).
Alexandria
VA
Bowie
MD
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
MARC (Penn Line)
Property Tax
On a $675K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,493/yr in property tax. In Bowie, a $505K home costs ~$6,454/yr. Alexandria has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
Bowie
MD
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.278
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,493/yr
$6,454/yr
Notes
None
Prince George's County rate
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Bowie (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Bowie Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Bowie
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
15
Bike Score
64
25
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Alexandria and Bowie. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Alexandria
VA
Bowie
MD
Reported Violent Crime
1.7/1K
1.5/1K
Reported Property Crime
17.8/1K
16.2/1K
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Bowie more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median sold price of $505K, compared to $675K in Alexandria (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Bowie?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Bowie has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Bowie, Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Bowie?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Bowie has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs Bowie?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,493/yr on a $675K home). Bowie's rate is $1.278 per $100 (~$6,454/yr on a $505K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Alexandria and Bowie compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 September 2026.