Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $460K), a difference of about $500K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 19 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$460K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
12 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Bowie schools | See Vienna schools
Bowie
MD
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
75%
92%
Top Schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Bowie
MD
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
None
Property Tax
On a $460K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$5,879/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Vienna has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Bowie
MD
Vienna
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,879/yr
$10,656/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Bowie. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
30
Bike Score
25
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Vienna more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Bowie or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bowie or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Vienna?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Bowie or Vienna 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. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.