Market Overview
Bowie's median sold price is $501K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Herndon is at $700K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Herndon is pricier ($700K median vs $501K), a difference of about $199K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 37 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Herndon
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$501K
$700K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
37 days
26 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$175K–$2.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Bowie has a 75% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Bowie schools | See Herndon schools
Bowie
MD
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
75%
80%
Public schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Bowie
MD
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $501K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$6,401/yr in property tax. In Herndon, a $700K home costs ~$7,770/yr. Herndon has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
Herndon
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,401/yr
$7,770/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
28
Bike Score
25
45
Safety
Herndon is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 19% 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
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Herndon more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median sold price of $501K, compared to $700K in Herndon (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. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bowie and Herndon?
Bowie public schools have a 75% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson 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 Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Herndon?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$6,401/yr on a $501K home). Herndon's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,770/yr on a $700K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bowie and Herndon compare?
Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.