Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $460K), a difference of about $220K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 19 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Alexandria
VA
Bowie
MD
Median Price
$680K
$460K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
19 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$200K–$900K
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Schools
Alexandria leads on school quality with a 78% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Bowie, families look to Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. See Alexandria schools | See Bowie schools
Alexandria
VA
Bowie
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
78%
75%
Top Schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Pass Rate
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 $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In Bowie, a $460K home costs ~$5,879/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
$7,548/yr
$5,879/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
Safety
Bowie is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 5% above Virginia average. Alexandria is rated "Average" (15% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Alexandria
VA
Bowie
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
5% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Bowie more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $680K in Alexandria. 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.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Bowie?
Alexandria has stronger schools overall, with a 78% average pass rate compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Bowie, standout schools include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). Bowie's rate is $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Alexandria or Bowie better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 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.