Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $225K), a difference of about $345K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Bristow
VA
Median Price
$225K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
16 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$300K–$900K
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Schools
Bristow leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. In Bristow, families look to Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. See Baltimore schools | See Bristow schools
Baltimore
MD
Bristow
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
55%
79%
Top Schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Bristow is closer to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).
Baltimore
MD
Bristow
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Bristow (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Kingsbrooke score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Bristow
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
8
Bike Score
58
12
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Baltimore is rated "Below Average" (135% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Baltimore
MD
Bristow
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
7.9/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
50% below Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Baltimore
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Baltimore.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Bristow
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Bristow.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Bristow more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $570K in Bristow. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K.
Which has better schools, Baltimore or Bristow?
Bristow has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 55% in Baltimore. Top schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College. 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, Baltimore or Bristow?
Bristow has the shorter commute to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Bristow has no direct Metro access.
Is Baltimore or Bristow better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. 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.