Market Overview
Bowie is pricier ($460K median vs $280K), a difference of about $180K. Bowie moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 24 in Norfolk. Norfolk offers a lower entry point at $100K–$1M.
Bowie
MD
Norfolk
VA
Median Price
$460K
$280K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
24 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$100K–$1M
Notable Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, West Ghent, Colonial Place
Schools
Bowie has a 75% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby High School. See Bowie schools | See Norfolk schools
Bowie
MD
Norfolk
VA
Avg Pass Rate
75%
65%
Public schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Maury High School, Granby High School, Norfolk Academy (private)
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Norfolk is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Norfolk (I-264, I-64, I-564).
Bowie
MD
Norfolk
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-264, I-64, I-564, Rt 13
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
None
Walkability
Norfolk is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Norfolk (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Ghent score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Norfolk
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
22
Bike Score
25
48
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Bowie and Norfolk. 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
Norfolk
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1.5/1K
4.2/1K
Reported Property Crime
16.2/1K
24.8/1K
MD
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Norfolk more affordable?
Norfolk is more affordable with a median home price of $280K, 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. Norfolk prices range from $100K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bowie and Norfolk?
Bowie public schools have a 75% average SOL pass rate; Norfolk has 65% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Norfolk, Maury High School and Granby 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 Norfolk?
Norfolk has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Norfolk has no direct Metro access.
How do Bowie and Norfolk compare?
Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Norfolk is the cultural hub of Hampton Roads, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. 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.
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 September 2026.