Market Overview
Centreville is pricier ($600K median vs $460K), a difference of about $140K. Centreville moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 19 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Centreville
VA
Median Price
$460K
$600K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
16 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$245K–$3.1M
Top Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Schools
Centreville leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Centreville, families look to Centreville High School and Westfield High School. See Bowie schools | See Centreville schools
Bowie
MD
Centreville
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
75%
84%
Top Schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bowie is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).
Bowie
MD
Centreville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~40 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)
None
Property Tax
On a $460K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$5,879/yr in property tax. In Centreville, a $600K home costs ~$6,660/yr. Centreville has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
Centreville
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,879/yr
$6,660/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Centreville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 25 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Centreville (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Centre Ridge score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Centreville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
15
Bike Score
25
28
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% 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
Centreville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
9.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
42% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Centreville more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $600K in Centreville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M.
Which has better schools, Bowie or Centreville?
Centreville has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Centreville, standout schools include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bowie or Centreville?
Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Centreville has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Centreville?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). Centreville's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,660/yr on a $600K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Bowie or Centreville 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. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. 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.