Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $460K), a difference of about $940K. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 19 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
McLean
VA
Median Price
$460K
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
19 days
18 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$700K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $460K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$5,879/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/yr. McLean has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
McLean
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,879/yr
$15,540/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
McLean is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
McLean
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
22
Bike Score
25
32
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% 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
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Bowie
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Bowie.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in McLean
Browse verified agents with real sales data in McLean.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or McLean more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.
What are property taxes in Bowie vs McLean?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). McLean's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$15,540/yr on a $1.4M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Bowie or McLean 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. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. 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.