Market Overview
Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $460K), a difference of about $108K. Bowie moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Manassas
VA
Median Price
$460K
$568K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
22 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$60K–$1.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Bowie leads on school quality with a 75% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Bowie schools | See Manassas schools
Bowie
MD
Manassas
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
75%
72%
Top Schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
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 $460K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$5,879/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $568K home costs ~$6,839/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
$5,879/yr
$6,839/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
Safety
Manassas is rated "Average" with a total crime rate 7% 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
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Manassas more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $568K in Manassas. 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.
Which has better schools, Bowie or Manassas?
Bowie has stronger schools overall, with a 75% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Bowie or Manassas better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
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 March 2026.