Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $570K), a difference of about $140K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Bristow offers a lower entry point at $300K–$900K.
Bristow
VA
Herndon
VA
Median Price
$570K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
23 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$175K–$2.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. See Bristow schools | See Herndon schools
Bristow
VA
Herndon
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
80%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Herndon is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28).
Bristow
VA
Herndon
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~35 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Herndon (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Herndon Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Herndon
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
28
Bike Score
12
45
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Herndon is rated "Safe" (19% 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
Herndon
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
12.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
19% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Herndon more affordable?
Bristow is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Herndon?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Herndon has 80% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Herndon, Herndon High School and Rachel Carson 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 Herndon?
Herndon has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon).
How do Bristow and Herndon compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology 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 July 2026.