Market Overview
Bristow is pricier ($570K median vs $370K), a difference of about $200K. Bristow moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.
Bristow
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Median Price
$570K
$370K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
28 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$150K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony
Schools
Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Bristow schools | See Williamsburg schools
Bristow
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
84%
Top Schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).
Bristow
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
Walkability
Williamsburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Williamsburg
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
10
Bike Score
12
42
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Williamsburg is rated "Average" (Near 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
Williamsburg
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
1.2/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
15.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
Near Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Bristow
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Bristow.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Williamsburg
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Williamsburg.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Williamsburg more affordable?
Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Bristow or Williamsburg?
Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. In Williamsburg, standout schools include Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Bristow or Williamsburg?
Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.
Is Bristow or Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.