Market Overview
Annapolis is pricier ($510K median vs $460K), a difference of about $50K. Bowie moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Annapolis
MD
Bowie
MD
Median Price
$510K
$460K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
19 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$200K–$900K
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Bowie has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Bowie, Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. See Annapolis schools | See Bowie schools
Annapolis
MD
Bowie
MD
Avg Pass Rate
80%
75%
Public schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bowie is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495).
Annapolis
MD
Bowie
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Penn Line)
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Bowie, a $460K home costs ~$5,879/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Bowie
MD
Rate per $100
$0.935
$1.278
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$5,879/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Prince George's County rate
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Bowie (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Bowie Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Bowie
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
15
Bike Score
52
25
Safety
Bowie is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 5% above Virginia average. Annapolis is rated "Below Average" (34% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Annapolis
MD
Bowie
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
5% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Bowie more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $510K in Annapolis. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Bowie?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Bowie has 75% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; 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, Annapolis or Bowie?
Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Bowie has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Bowie?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Bowie's rate is $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Annapolis and Bowie compare?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. 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 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.