Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $570K), a difference of about $50K. Both cities average 16 days on market. Bristow offers a lower entry point at $300K–$900K.
Ashburn
VA
Bristow
VA
Median Price
$620K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
16 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$300K–$900K
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Bristow, families look to Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. See Ashburn schools | See Bristow schools
Ashburn
VA
Bristow
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
79%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge Middle School
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Ashburn is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).
Ashburn
VA
Bristow
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Ashburn is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Bristow (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Kingsbrooke score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Bristow
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
8
Bike Score
35
12
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" (57% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Ashburn
VA
Bristow
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
7.9/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
50% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Bristow more affordable?
Bristow is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, 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. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Bristow?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge 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, Ashburn or Bristow?
Ashburn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Bristow has no direct Metro access.
Is Ashburn or Bristow better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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.