Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $510K), a difference of about $100K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$510K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
15 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Lorton leads on school quality with a 81% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Annapolis schools | See Lorton schools
Annapolis
MD
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
81%
Top Schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Annapolis
MD
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In Lorton, a $610K home costs ~$6,771/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$0.935
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$6,771/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
15
Bike Score
52
20
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Annapolis is rated "Below Average" (34% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Annapolis
MD
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Lorton more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Annapolis or Lorton?
Lorton has stronger schools overall, with a 81% average pass rate compared to 80% in Annapolis. Top schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School. In Lorton, standout schools include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Annapolis or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs Lorton?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K home). Lorton's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Annapolis or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. 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.