Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $568K), a difference of about $2K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.
Bristow
VA
Manassas
VA
Median Price
$570K
$568K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
22 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$60K–$1.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Bristow schools | See Manassas schools
Bristow
VA
Manassas
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
72%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Manassas is closer to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Bristow
VA
Manassas
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~45 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 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
15
Bike Score
12
35
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Manassas is rated "Average" (7% 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
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Manassas more affordable?
Manassas is more affordable with a median home price of $568K, 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. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Manassas?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz 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 Manassas?
Manassas has the shorter commute to downtown at ~45 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Manassas has no direct Metro access.
How do Bristow and Manassas compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.