Market Overview
Chantilly is pricier ($710K median vs $460K), a difference of about $250K. Both cities average 19 days on market. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Chantilly
VA
Median Price
$460K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
19 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$25K–$2.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields
Schools
Chantilly leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Chantilly, families look to Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. See Bowie schools | See Chantilly schools
Bowie
MD
Chantilly
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
75%
85%
Top Schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Middle School, Greenbriar West Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Bowie is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Chantilly has 1 Metro station, including Dulles Airport on the Silver line. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Chantilly (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50).
Bowie
MD
Chantilly
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~40 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Dulles Airport)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 50
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $460K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$5,879/yr in property tax. In Chantilly, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Chantilly has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
Chantilly
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,879/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Bowie is more walkable with a Walk Score of 22 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 20 in Chantilly. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Chantilly (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Sully Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Chantilly
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
12
Bike Score
25
22
Safety
Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 44% 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
Chantilly
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
8.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
44% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Chantilly more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $710K in Chantilly. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M.
Which has better schools, Bowie or Chantilly?
Chantilly has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Chantilly, standout schools include Chantilly High School and Rocky Run Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bowie or Chantilly?
Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Chantilly has Metro access (Dulles Airport).
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Chantilly?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). Chantilly's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Bowie or Chantilly 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. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. 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.