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 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Bristow
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$570K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
27 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Bristow schools | See Stafford schools
Bristow
VA
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
77%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Bristow is closer to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Bristow
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~55 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 610
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Stafford is more walkable with a Walk Score of 15 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
8
Bike Score
12
18
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Stafford is rated "Safe" (31% 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
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford 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. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Stafford?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View 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 Stafford?
Bristow has the shorter commute to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
How do Bristow and Stafford compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. 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.