Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $610K), a difference of about $10K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 16 in Ashburn. Lorton offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.2M.
Ashburn
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$620K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
15 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Ashburn leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Ashburn schools | See Lorton schools
Ashburn
VA
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
81%
Top Schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge 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. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Ashburn
VA
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $620K home in Ashburn, you would pay ~$5,394/yr in property tax. In Lorton, a $610K home costs ~$6,771/yr. Ashburn has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Ashburn
VA
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$0.870
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,394/yr
$6,771/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Ashburn is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Ashburn (22) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Broadlands and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Ashburn
VA
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
15
Bike Score
35
20
Safety
Ashburn is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 57% below Virginia average. Lorton is rated "Safe" (33% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Ashburn
VA
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.4/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
6.9/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
57% below Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Lorton more affordable?
Lorton is more affordable with a median home price of $610K, compared to $620K in Ashburn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Ashburn or Lorton?
Ashburn has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge 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, Ashburn or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Ashburn vs Lorton?
Ashburn has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$5,394/yr on a $620K 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 Ashburn or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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.