Market Overview
Bowie's median sold price is $505K with homes averaging 38 days on market; Manassas is at $548K and 29 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Manassas is pricier ($548K median vs $505K), a difference of about $43K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 29 days on market compared to 38 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Manassas
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$505K
$548K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
38 days
29 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$60K–$1.9M
Notable Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Bowie has a 75% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Bowie schools | See Manassas schools
Bowie
MD
Manassas
VA
Avg Pass Rate
75%
72%
Public schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Bowie is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Bowie
MD
Manassas
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Property Tax
On a $505K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$6,454/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $548K home costs ~$6,598/yr. Manassas has the lower rate at $1.204 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
Manassas
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.204
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,454/yr
$6,598/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
None
Walkability
Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
15
Bike Score
25
35
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Bowie and Manassas. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Bowie
MD
Manassas
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.5/1K
1.8/1K
Reported Property Crime
16.2/1K
16.2/1K
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Manassas more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median sold price of $505K, compared to $548K in Manassas (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. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bowie and Manassas?
Bowie public schools have a 75% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz 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 Manassas?
Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Manassas has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Manassas?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$6,454/yr on a $505K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,598/yr on a $548K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bowie and Manassas compare?
Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records 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 September 2026.