City Comparison

Bowie vs Severn: Which is right for your family?

Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Bowie is pricier ($460K median vs $430K), a difference of about $30K. Severn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 19 in Bowie. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Bowie

MD

Severn

MD

Median Price

$460K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

19 days

16 days

Price Range

$200K–$900K

$200K–$750K

Top Neighborhoods

Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Severn leads on school quality with a 77% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Severn, families look to Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Bowie schools | See Severn schools

Bowie

MD

Severn

MD

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

75%

77%

Top Schools

Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

75%
77%

Commute

Bowie is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Bowie

MD

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~35 min

~40 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495

I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

MARC (Penn Line)

None

MD

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bowie or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median home price of $430K, 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. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

Which has better schools, Bowie or Severn?

Severn has stronger schools overall, with a 77% average pass rate compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Severn, standout schools include Meade High School and Old Mill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Bowie or Severn?

Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.

Is Bowie or Severn 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. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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.