Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $460K), a difference of about $160K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 19 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Ashburn
VA
Bowie
MD
Median Price
$620K
$460K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
19 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$200K–$900K
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Bowie, families look to Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. See Ashburn schools | See Bowie schools
Ashburn
VA
Bowie
MD
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
75%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge 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. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495).
Ashburn
VA
Bowie
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
Commuter Rail
None
MARC (Penn Line)
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Bowie, a $460K home costs ~$5,879/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Ashburn
VA
Bowie
MD
Rate per $100
$0.870
$1.278
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,394/yr
$5,879/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate
Prince George's County rate
Walkability
Ashburn is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Bowie (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Bowie Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Bowie
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
15
Bike Score
35
25
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Bowie is rated "Average" (5% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Ashburn
VA
Bowie
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
5% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Bowie more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $620K in Ashburn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Bowie?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. 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, Ashburn or Bowie?
Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Bowie has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Bowie?
Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K 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 Ashburn or Bowie better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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.