Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $570K), a difference of about $40K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 16 in Bristow. Bristow offers a lower entry point at $300K–$900K.
Bristow
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$570K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
15 days
Price Range
$300K–$900K
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Bristow has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Bristow schools | See Lorton schools
Bristow
VA
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
81%
Public schools
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Bristow
VA
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Lorton is more walkable with a Walk Score of 18 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Bristow (8) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kingsbrooke and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Bristow
VA
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
15
Bike Score
12
20
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% 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.
Bristow
VA
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.6/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
7.9/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
50% below Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristow or Lorton more affordable?
Bristow is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Bristow and Lorton?
Bristow public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Bristow include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle 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, Bristow or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Bristow has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
How do Bristow and Lorton compare?
Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. 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.