Market Overview
Gainesville is pricier ($650K median vs $570K), a difference of about $80K. Both cities average 16 days on market. Bristow offers a lower entry point at $300K–$900K.
Bristow
VA
Gainesville
VA
Median Price
$570K
$650K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
16 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$350K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School. See Bristow schools | See Gainesville schools
Bristow
VA
Gainesville
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
80%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Gainesville High School, Battlefield High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Gainesville is closer to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Gainesville (I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55).
Bristow
VA
Gainesville
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Gainesville 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 Gainesville (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Heritage Hunt score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Gainesville
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
8
Bike Score
12
15
Safety
Gainesville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 46% below Virginia average. Bristow is rated "Very Safe" (50% 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
Gainesville
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
8.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
46% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Gainesville more affordable?
Bristow is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, compared to $650K in Gainesville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K. Gainesville prices range from $350K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Gainesville?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Gainesville has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Gainesville, Gainesville High School and Battlefield 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 Gainesville?
Gainesville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Gainesville has no direct Metro access.
How do Bristow and Gainesville compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Gainesville is a booming community in western Prince William County along the I-66 corridor. 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.