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 has a 93% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Bethesda schools | See Lorton schools
Bethesda
MD
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
93%
81%
Public 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bethesda and Lorton?
Bethesda public schools have a 93% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bethesda include Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase 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, 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.
How do Bethesda and Lorton compare?
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 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.