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
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Annapolis schools | See Lorton schools
Annapolis
MD
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
81%
Public 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Lorton?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
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.
How do Annapolis and Lorton compare?
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 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.