Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $510K), a difference of about $60K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Bristow
VA
Median Price
$510K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
16 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$300K–$900K
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Schools
Annapolis leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Bristow, families look to Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. See Annapolis schools | See Bristow schools
Annapolis
MD
Bristow
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
79%
Top Schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Annapolis is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).
Annapolis
MD
Bristow
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Bristow (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Kingsbrooke score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Bristow
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
8
Bike Score
52
12
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below 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
Bristow
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
7.9/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
50% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Bristow more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $570K in Bristow. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K.
Which has better schools, Annapolis or Bristow?
Annapolis has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. 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, Annapolis or Bristow?
Annapolis has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Bristow has no direct Metro access.
Is Annapolis or Bristow better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. 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.