Market Overview
Bowie's median sold price is $501K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Bristow is at $730K and 19 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Bristow is pricier ($730K median vs $501K), a difference of about $229K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 37 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Bristow
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$501K
$730K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
37 days
19 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$300K–$900K
Notable Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Schools
Bowie has a 75% average SOL pass rate; Bristow has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Bristow, Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. See Bowie schools | See Bristow schools
Bowie
MD
Bristow
VA
Avg Pass Rate
75%
79%
Public schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Bowie is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).
Bowie
MD
Bristow
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Bowie is more walkable with a Walk Score of 22 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Bristow (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Kingsbrooke score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Bristow
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
8
Bike Score
25
12
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% 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.
Bowie
MD
Bristow
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
7.9/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
50% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Bristow more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median sold price of $501K, compared to $730K in Bristow (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bowie and Bristow?
Bowie public schools have a 75% average SOL pass rate; Bristow has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Bristow, Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Bowie or Bristow?
Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Bristow has no direct Metro access.
How do Bowie and Bristow compare?
Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.