Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $520K), a difference of about $50K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 35 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Bristow
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Price
$570K
$520K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
35 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$130K–$3M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Bristow schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Bristow
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
74%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bristow is closer to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Bristow
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~70 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Bristow is more walkable with a Walk Score of 15 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
6
Bike Score
12
15
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" (21% 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
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median home price of $520K, 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. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Spotsylvania?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Spotsylvania has 74% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Spotsylvania, Riverbend High School and Courtland 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 Spotsylvania?
Bristow has the shorter commute to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
How do Bristow and Spotsylvania compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.