Market Overview
Bristow's median sold price is $719K with homes averaging 19 days on market; Harrisonburg is at $353K and 15 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Bristow is pricier ($719K median vs $353K), a difference of about $367K. Harrisonburg moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 19 in Bristow. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Bristow
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$719K
$353K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
19 days
15 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$150K–$600K
Notable Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School. See Bristow schools | See Harrisonburg schools
Bristow
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
74%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11).
Bristow
VA
Harrisonburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Harrisonburg more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $353K, compared to $719K in Bristow (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Harrisonburg?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Harrisonburg has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison 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 Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access.
How do Bristow and Harrisonburg compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 August 2026.