Market Overview
Alexandria's median sold price is $675K with homes averaging 32 days on market; Bristow is at $719K and 19 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Bristow is pricier ($719K median vs $675K), a difference of about $44K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 32 in Alexandria. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.
Alexandria
VA
Bristow
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$675K
$719K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
32 days
19 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$300K–$900K
Notable Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Bristow has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Bristow, Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. See Alexandria schools | See Bristow schools
Alexandria
VA
Bristow
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
79%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
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 ~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
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Alexandria and Bristow. 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
Bristow
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.6/1K
Reported Property Crime
17.8/1K
7.9/1K
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Bristow more affordable?
Alexandria is more affordable with a median sold price of $675K, compared to $719K in Bristow (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. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Bristow?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Bristow has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Bristow, Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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.
How do Alexandria and Bristow compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. 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.