Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $225K), a difference of about $385K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 30 in Baltimore. Baltimore offers a lower entry point at $50K–$1.5M.
Baltimore
MD
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$225K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
30 days
15 days
Price Range
$50K–$1.5M
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Roland Park
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Baltimore has a 55% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Baltimore schools | See Lorton schools
Baltimore
MD
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
55%
81%
Public schools
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Baltimore (I-95, I-695, I-83), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Baltimore
MD
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, I-695, I-83, I-295, Rt 1
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line, Camden Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $225K home in Baltimore, you would pay ~$5,058/yr in property tax. In Lorton, a $610K home costs ~$6,771/yr. Lorton has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Baltimore
MD
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$2.248
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,058/yr
$6,771/yr
Notes
Baltimore City rate (highest in Maryland)
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Baltimore (52) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Canton and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Baltimore
MD
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
52
15
Bike Score
58
20
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Baltimore is rated "Below Average" (135% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Baltimore
MD
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
11.2/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
28.5/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
135% above Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Lorton more affordable?
Baltimore is more affordable with a median home price of $225K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Baltimore prices range from $50K–$1.5M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Baltimore and Lorton?
Baltimore public schools have a 55% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Baltimore include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Baltimore City College; 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, Baltimore or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Baltimore has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Baltimore vs Lorton?
Baltimore has a property tax rate of $2.248 per $100 (~$5,058/yr on a $225K 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 Baltimore and Lorton compare?
Baltimore is a waterfront city with a rich cultural identity, world-class healthcare institutions, and diverse neighborhoods. 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.