What to know when moving to Bristow, VA
Bristow at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 55.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 7.9% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $178,098, which is significantly above the national average.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,872, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 3.1% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,872/month in rent if you plan to rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Bristow is characterized by its wealth and education, with a median household income of $178,098 and 55.5% of the population holding a bachelor's degree. The area has a very low renter percentage at 7.9%, indicating that most residents own their homes. However, with only 3.1% of the population using public transit, this is primarily a car-dependent community. The climate features 146 rainy days annually, so investing in good rain gear is wise.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for lower housing costs or a robust public transit system.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,872, while the median home value is $585,500.
- The community has a low poverty rate of 1.2%, contributing to its overall affluence.
- Homeownership is common, with only 7.9% of the population renting.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Virginia has a lower crime rate compared to the national average, reflecting a generally safe environment for residents.
- Violent crime: 203.3 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3 (down 15.2% since 2022)
- Property crime: 1346.3 per 100k vs. national rate of 1546.9 (down 22% since 2022)
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 43.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to higher education is available with several institutions nearby.
- Postsecondary institutions: 4
- With College Scorecard data: 3
- Institutions include: Ascent College, Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Manassas, ECPI University-Manassas.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Bristow experiences an average annual precipitation of 36.4 inches with 146 rainy days, and only 4 days of snow. This means you can expect plenty of wet weather, so plan accordingly.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Manassas National Battlefield Park (4.7 stars, 5,171 reviews)
- Bull Run Regional Park (4.6 stars, 3,751 reviews)
- Prince William Forest Park (4.7 stars, 2,380 reviews)
- Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (4.6 stars, 1,602 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.