Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $570K), a difference of about $70K. Fairfax 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
Fairfax
VA
Median Price
$570K
$640K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
14 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$350K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Schools
Fairfax leads on school quality with a 87% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Fairfax, families look to Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. See Bristow schools | See Fairfax schools
Bristow
VA
Fairfax
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
79%
87%
Top Schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50).
Bristow
VA
Fairfax
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Fairfax (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Mantua score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Fairfax
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
28
Bike Score
12
42
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Fairfax is rated "Safe" (35% 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
Fairfax
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
10.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
35% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Fairfax more affordable?
Bristow is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Bristow or Fairfax?
Fairfax has stronger schools overall, with a 87% average pass rate compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Fairfax, standout schools include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bristow or Fairfax?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
Is Bristow or Fairfax 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. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.