Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $460K), a difference of about $150K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 19 in Bowie. Bowie offers a lower entry point at $200K–$900K.
Bowie
MD
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$460K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
19 days
15 days
Price Range
$200K–$900K
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Bowie Town Center, Collington, Northview, Pointer Ridge
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Lorton leads on school quality with a 81% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Bowie schools | See Lorton schools
Bowie
MD
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
75%
81%
Top Schools
Bowie High School, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bowie (Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Bowie
MD
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 301, I-495
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
MARC (Penn Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $460K home in Bowie, you would pay ~$5,879/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.
Bowie
MD
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$1.278
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$5,879/yr
$6,771/yr
Notes
Prince George's County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Bowie is more walkable with a Walk Score of 22 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Bowie (15) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Bowie Town Center and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Bowie
MD
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
15
Bike Score
25
20
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Bowie is rated "Average" (5% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Bowie
MD
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
16.2/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
5% above Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Bowie
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Bowie.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Lorton
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Lorton.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie or Lorton more affordable?
Bowie is more affordable with a median home price of $460K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bowie prices range from $200K–$900K. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Bowie or Lorton?
Lorton has stronger schools overall, with a 81% average pass rate compared to 75% in Bowie. Top schools in Bowie include Bowie High School and Eleanor Roosevelt 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, Bowie or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Bowie has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Bowie vs Lorton?
Bowie has a property tax rate of $1.278 per $100 (~$5,879/yr on a $460K 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 Bowie or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Bowie is one of the largest cities in Prince George's County, offering spacious homes, strong community programs, and convenient access to 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.