Market Overview
Bristow's median sold price is $719K with homes averaging 19 days on market; Charlottesville is at $535K and 45 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Bristow is pricier ($719K median vs $535K), a difference of about $184K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 45 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Bristow
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$719K
$535K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
19 days
45 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$175K–$2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Charlottesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Charlottesville, Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. See Bristow schools | See Charlottesville schools
Bristow
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
80%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Charlottesville High School, Buford Middle School, Jackson-Via Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Charlottesville is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Charlottesville (I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250).
Bristow
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-64, Rt 29, Rt 250
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
Walkability
Charlottesville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Charlottesville (18). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Downtown Mall score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
18
Bike Score
12
58
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Charlottesville is rated "Below Average" (32% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Bristow
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
2.5/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
19.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
32% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Charlottesville more affordable?
Charlottesville is more affordable with a median sold price of $535K, compared to $719K in Bristow (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K. Charlottesville prices range from $175K–$2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Charlottesville?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Charlottesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Charlottesville, Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Bristow or Charlottesville?
Charlottesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Charlottesville has no direct Metro access.
How do Bristow and Charlottesville compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Charlottesville is a college town centered around the University of Virginia, with a walkable downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia wine country. 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 Aug 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.