Market Overview
Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $570K), a difference of about $187K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 16 in Bristow. Bristow offers a lower entry point at $300K–$900K.
Bristow
VA
Burke
VA
Median Price
$570K
$757K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
14 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$235K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Schools
Burke leads on school quality with a 86% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Burke, families look to Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. See Bristow schools | See Burke schools
Bristow
VA
Burke
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
79%
86%
Top Schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Burke is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy).
Bristow
VA
Burke
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
VRE (Burke Centre station)
Walkability
Burke is more walkable with a Walk Score of 22 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Burke (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Burke Centre score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Burke
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
15
Bike Score
12
25
Safety
Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% below Virginia average. Bristow is rated "Very Safe" (50% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Bristow
VA
Burke
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.5/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
8.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
49% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Burke more affordable?
Bristow is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, compared to $757K in Burke. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Bristow or Burke?
Burke has stronger schools overall, with a 86% average pass rate compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Burke, standout schools include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bristow or Burke?
Burke has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Burke has no direct Metro access.
Is Bristow or Burke better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, family-friendly neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park, top-rated schools, and tree-lined neighborhoods. 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.