Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $560K), a difference of about $10K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 17 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Bristow
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$570K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
17 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Rockville leads on school quality with a 85% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Rockville, families look to Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Bristow schools | See Rockville schools
Bristow
VA
Rockville
MD
Quality Tier
Strong
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
79%
85%
Top Schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Bristow
VA
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
42
Bike Score
12
55
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Rockville is rated "Average" (9% 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
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, 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. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
Which has better schools, Bristow or Rockville?
Rockville has stronger schools overall, with a 85% average pass rate compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Rockville, standout schools include Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bristow or Rockville?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
Is Bristow or Rockville better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, family-friendly neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
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 March 2026.