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
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Burke has 86% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Burke, Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. See Bristow schools | See Burke schools
Bristow
VA
Burke
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
86%
Public 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Burke?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Burke has 86% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Burke, Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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.
How do Bristow and Burke compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park and tree-lined 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.
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 June 2026.