Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $380K), a difference of about $190K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 22 in Chesapeake. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Bristow
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Median Price
$570K
$380K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
22 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$175K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Schools
Chesapeake leads on school quality with a 79% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Chesapeake, families look to Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. See Bristow schools | See Chesapeake schools
Bristow
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
79%
Top Schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Chesapeake is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Chesapeake (I-64, I-464, I-264).
Bristow
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~20 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, I-464, I-264, Rt 168, Rt 17
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
Walkability
Chesapeake is more walkable with a Walk Score of 18 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Chesapeake (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Great Bridge score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
8
Bike Score
12
22
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Chesapeake is rated "Safe" (13% 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
Chesapeake
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.2/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
13.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
13% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Chesapeake more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, 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. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M.
Which has better schools, Bristow or Chesapeake?
Chesapeake has stronger schools overall, with a 79% average pass rate compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Chesapeake, standout schools include Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bristow or Chesapeake?
Chesapeake has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Chesapeake has no direct Metro access.
Is Bristow or Chesapeake 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. Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, excellent schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. 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.