Market Overview
Bowie's median sold price is $505K with homes averaging 38 days on market; Charlottesville is at $535K and 45 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Charlottesville is pricier ($535K median vs $505K), a difference of about $30K. Bowie moves faster, with homes averaging 38 days on market compared to 45 in Charlottesville. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$505K
$535K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
38 days
45 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$175K–$2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Schools
Bowie has a 75% average SOL pass rate; Charlottesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Charlottesville, Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. See Bowie schools | See Charlottesville schools
Bowie
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
75%
80%
Public schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250).
Bowie
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
None
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Charlottesville (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Downtown Mall score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Charlottesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
18
Bike Score
25
58
Safety
Bowie is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 5% above Virginia average. Charlottesville is rated "Below Average" (32% 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
Charlottesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
2.5/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
19.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
32% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Charlottesville more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median sold price of $505K, compared to $535K in Charlottesville (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bowie and Charlottesville?
Bowie public schools have a 75% average SOL pass rate; Charlottesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Charlottesville, Charlottesville High School and Buford 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 Charlottesville?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access.
How do Bowie and Charlottesville compare?
Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Charlottesville is a college town centered around the University of Virginia, with a walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia wine country. 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 Aug 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.