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
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Bowie schools | See Reston schools
Bowie
MD
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
75%
83%
Top 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.
Which has better schools, Bowie or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Bowie or Reston 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. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.