Market Overview
Bowie's median sold price is $501K with homes averaging 37 days on market; Spotsylvania is at $500K and 41 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Bowie is pricier ($501K median vs $500K), a difference of about $1K. Bowie moves faster, with homes averaging 37 days on market compared to 41 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Bowie
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$501K
$500K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
37 days
41 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$130K–$3M
Notable Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Bowie has a 75% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Bowie schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Bowie
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Avg Pass Rate
75%
74%
Public schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bowie is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Bowie
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~70 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $501K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$6,401/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $500K home costs ~$4,300/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$0.860
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,401/yr
$4,300/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
None
Walkability
Bowie is more walkable with a Walk Score of 22 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
6
Bike Score
25
15
Safety
Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% 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
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median sold price of $500K, compared to $501K in Bowie (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bowie and Spotsylvania?
Bowie public schools have a 75% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland 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 Spotsylvania?
Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Spotsylvania?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$6,401/yr on a $501K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,300/yr on a $500K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Bowie and Spotsylvania compare?
Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to D. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.