Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $250K), a difference of about $320K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Bristow
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$570K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
28 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$75K–$550K
Notable Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Bristow schools | See Portsmouth schools
Bristow
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
60%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Portsmouth 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), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Bristow
VA
Portsmouth
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-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, 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. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Portsmouth?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom 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 Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Bristow and Portsmouth compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Portsmouth is a waterfront city across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, with a rich naval heritage and a revitalizing downtown. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records 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 September 2026.