Market Overview
Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $460K), a difference of about $297K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 19 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Burke
VA
Median Price
$460K
$757K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
14 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$235K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Schools
Burke leads on school quality with a 86% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Burke, families look to Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. See Bowie schools | See Burke schools
Bowie
MD
Burke
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
75%
86%
Top Schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Burke is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy).
Bowie
MD
Burke
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
VRE (Burke Centre station)
Property Tax
On a $460K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$5,879/yr in property tax. In Burke, a $757K home costs ~$8,403/yr. Burke has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
Burke
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,879/yr
$8,403/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Burke is more walkable with a Walk Score of 22 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Burke (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Burke Centre score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Burke
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
15
Bike Score
25
25
Safety
Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% 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
Burke
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
8.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
49% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Burke more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $757K in Burke. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Bowie or Burke?
Burke has stronger schools overall, with a 86% average pass rate compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Burke, standout schools include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bowie or Burke?
Burke has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Burke has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Burke?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). Burke's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$8,403/yr on a $757K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Bowie or Burke better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park, top-rated schools, and tree-lined neighborhoods. 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.