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
Notable Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Chesapeake has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Chesapeake, Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. See Bristow schools | See Chesapeake schools
Bristow
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
79%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Grassfield High School, Hickory High School, Oscar F. Smith High School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
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
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Bristow and Chesapeake. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Bristow
VA
Chesapeake
VA
Reported Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.2/1K
Reported Property Crime
7.9/1K
13.5/1K
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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Chesapeake?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Chesapeake has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Chesapeake, Grassfield High School and Hickory High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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.
How do Bristow and Chesapeake compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, public schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records 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 September 2026.