Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $477K), a difference of about $93K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Bristow
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Median Price
$570K
$477K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
29 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$151K–$3.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. See Bristow schools | See Fredericksburg schools
Bristow
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
73%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bristow is closer to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Bristow
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~65 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Fredericksburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Fredericksburg (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Downtown score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Fredericksburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
12
Bike Score
12
38
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" (47% 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
Fredericksburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
2.8/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
22.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
47% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Fredericksburg more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, 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. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Fredericksburg?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Fredericksburg has 73% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Bristow or Fredericksburg?
Bristow has the shorter commute to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Bristow and Fredericksburg compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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.