Market Overview
Bowie is pricier ($460K median vs $420K), a difference of about $40K. Bowie moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Bowie
MD
Frederick
MD
Median Price
$460K
$420K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
20 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$200K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Schools
Bowie has a 75% average SOL pass rate; Frederick has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Frederick, Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. See Bowie schools | See Frederick schools
Bowie
MD
Frederick
MD
Avg Pass Rate
75%
79%
Public schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bowie is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15).
Bowie
MD
Frederick
MD
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~60 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Frederick (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Downtown Frederick score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Frederick
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
12
Bike Score
25
45
Safety
Frederick is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 8% above 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
Frederick
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
16.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
8% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Frederick more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $460K in Bowie. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bowie and Frederick?
Bowie public schools have a 75% average SOL pass rate; Frederick has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Frederick, Urbana High School and Oakdale 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 Frederick?
Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Frederick has no direct Metro access.
How do Bowie and Frederick compare?
Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.
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 June 2026.