Market Overview
Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $460K), a difference of about $100K. Bowie moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$460K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
27 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Stafford 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 Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Bowie schools | See Stafford schools
Bowie
MD
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
75%
77%
Top Schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bowie is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Bowie
MD
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~55 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 610
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $460K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$5,879/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,879/yr
$5,874/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 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
8
Bike Score
25
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Stafford more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $560K in Stafford. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Bowie or Stafford?
Stafford 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 Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bowie or Stafford?
Bowie has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Stafford?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Bowie or Stafford 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. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.