Market Overview
Bowie's median sold price is $501K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Fairfax is at $767K and 25 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Fairfax is pricier ($767K median vs $501K), a difference of about $266K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 37 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Fairfax
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$501K
$767K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
37 days
25 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$350K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Bowie has a 75% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Bowie schools | See Fairfax schools
Bowie
MD
Fairfax
VA
Avg Pass Rate
75%
87%
Public schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Bowie
MD
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $501K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$6,401/yr in property tax. In Fairfax, a $767K home costs ~$8,514/yr. Fairfax has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
Fairfax
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,401/yr
$8,514/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
28
Bike Score
25
42
Safety
Fairfax is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 35% 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
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Fairfax more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median sold price of $501K, compared to $767K in Fairfax (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. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bowie and Fairfax?
Bowie public schools have a 75% average SOL pass rate; Fairfax has 87% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Fairfax, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Bowie or Fairfax?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Fairfax?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$6,401/yr on a $501K home). Fairfax's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$8,514/yr on a $767K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bowie and Fairfax compare?
Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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 July 2026.