City Comparison

Bristow vs Severn: How they compare

Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County near Fort Meade and the NSA, with access to Baltimore and D. The details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

Market Overview

Bristow's median sold price is $719K with homes averaging 19 days on market; Severn is at $510K and 36 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Bristow is pricier ($719K median vs $510K), a difference of about $209K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 19 days on market compared to 36 in Severn. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Bristow

VA

Severn

MD

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$719K

$510K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

19 days

36 days

Price Range

$300K–$900K

$200K–$750K

Notable Neighborhoods

Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Bristow schools | See Severn schools

Bristow

VA

Severn

MD

Avg Pass Rate

79%

77%

Public schools

Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.

Commute

Severn is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Bristow

VA

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~50 min

~40 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29

I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

VRE (Manassas line)

None

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bristow or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median sold price of $510K, 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. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Severn?

Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill 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 Severn?

Severn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.

How do Bristow and Severn compare?

Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County near Fort Meade and the NSA, with access to Baltimore and D. 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.

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 September 2026.

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