Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $400K), a difference of about $170K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 22 in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2M.
Bristow
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Median Price
$570K
$400K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
22 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$175K–$2M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Downtown Mall, Belmont, North Downtown, Barracks Road
Schools
Charlottesville leads on school quality with a 80% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Charlottesville, families look to Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. See Bristow schools | See Charlottesville schools
Bristow
VA
Charlottesville
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
80%
Top 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 home price of $400K, compared to $570K in Bristow. 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.
Which has better schools, Bristow or Charlottesville?
Charlottesville has stronger schools overall, with a 80% average pass rate compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Charlottesville, standout schools include Charlottesville High School and Buford Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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.
Is Bristow or Charlottesville 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. 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 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.