Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $420K), a difference of about $150K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Bristow
VA
Frederick
MD
Median Price
$570K
$420K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
20 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$200K–$1M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Frederick has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Frederick, Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. See Bristow schools | See Frederick schools
Bristow
VA
Frederick
MD
Avg Pass Rate
79%
79%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bristow is closer to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15).
Bristow
VA
Frederick
MD
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~60 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Frederick (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Downtown Frederick score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Frederick
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
12
Bike Score
12
45
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Frederick is rated "Average" (8% 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
Frederick
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.5/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
16.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
8% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Frederick more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, 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. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Frederick?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Frederick has 79% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Frederick, Urbana High School and Oakdale 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 Frederick?
Bristow has the shorter commute to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Frederick has no direct Metro access.
How do Bristow and Frederick compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.
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 June 2026.