Market Overview
Bethesda is pricier ($1.1M median vs $610K), a difference of about $440K. Bethesda moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 15 in Lorton. Lorton offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.2M.
Bethesda
MD
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$1.1M
$610K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
15 days
Price Range
$400K–$5M+
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Bethesda, Bradley Hills, Burning Tree, Edgemoor
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Bethesda leads on school quality with a 93% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Bethesda schools | See Lorton schools
Bethesda
MD
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
93%
81%
Top Schools
Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Bethesda is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Bethesda has 2 Metro stations, including Bethesda on the Red line. Major highway access: Bethesda (I-495, I-270, Rt 355), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Bethesda
MD
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Bethesda)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Red
N/A
Major Highways
I-495, I-270, Rt 355
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $1.1M home in Bethesda, you would pay ~$10,374/yr in property tax. In Lorton, a $610K home costs ~$6,771/yr. Bethesda has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Bethesda
MD
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$0.988
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$10,374/yr
$6,771/yr
Notes
Montgomery County rate ($0.988 county + state)
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Bethesda is more walkable with a Walk Score of 72 (Very Walkable), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Bethesda (55) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Bethesda and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Bethesda
MD
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
55
15
Bike Score
68
20
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Bethesda is rated "Safe" (36% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Bethesda
MD
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
36% below Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda or Lorton more affordable?
Lorton is more affordable with a median home price of $610K, compared to $1.1M in Bethesda. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bethesda prices range from $400K–$5M+. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Bethesda or Lorton?
Bethesda has stronger schools overall, with a 93% average pass rate compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase 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, Bethesda or Lorton?
Bethesda has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Bethesda has Metro access (Bethesda). Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bethesda vs Lorton?
Bethesda has a property tax rate of $0.988 per $100 (~$10,374/yr on a $1.1M 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 Bethesda or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Bethesda is one of the wealthiest communities in the D. 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.