Market Overview
Reston is pricier ($570K median vs $460K), a difference of about $110K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 19 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Reston
VA
Median Price
$460K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
14 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Bowie has a 75% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Bowie schools | See Reston schools
Bowie
MD
Reston
VA
Avg Pass Rate
75%
83%
Public schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Bowie
MD
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $460K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$5,879/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Reston has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,879/yr
$6,327/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
35
Bike Score
25
52
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Reston more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $570K in Reston. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bowie and Reston?
Bowie public schools have a 75% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes 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 Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Reston?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bowie and Reston compare?
Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.
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 June 2026.