Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $570K), a difference of about $110K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 16 in Bristow. Bristow offers a lower entry point at $300K–$900K.
Alexandria
VA
Bristow
VA
Median Price
$680K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
16 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$300K–$900K
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Schools
Bristow leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Bristow, families look to Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. See Alexandria schools | See Bristow schools
Alexandria
VA
Bristow
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
78%
79%
Top Schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Alexandria is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~50 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), Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).
Alexandria
VA
Bristow
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~50 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
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs Bristow (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Kingsbrooke score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
Bristow
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
8
Bike Score
64
12
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below 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
Bristow
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
7.9/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
50% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Bristow more affordable?
Bristow is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, 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. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K.
Which has better schools, Alexandria or Bristow?
Bristow has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 78% in Alexandria. Top schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary. In Bristow, standout schools include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Bristow?
Alexandria has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Bristow has no direct Metro access.
Is Alexandria or Bristow better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, family-friendly neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. 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.