Market Overview
Burke is pricier ($757K median vs $610K), a difference of about $147K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 15 in Lorton. Lorton offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.2M.
Burke
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$757K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
15 days
Price Range
$235K–$1.8M
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Burke leads on school quality with a 86% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Burke schools | See Lorton schools
Burke
VA
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
86%
81%
Top Schools
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School, White Oaks Elementary
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: Burke (I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Burke
VA
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
I-495, Rt 123, Burke Centre Pkwy
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
VRE (Burke Centre station)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $757K home in Burke, you would pay ~$8,403/yr in property tax. In Lorton, a $610K home costs ~$6,771/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Burke
VA
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$8,403/yr
$6,771/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Burke is more walkable with a Walk Score of 22 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Burke (15) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Burke Centre and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Burke
VA
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
15
Bike Score
25
20
Safety
Burke is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 49% 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.
Burke
VA
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.5/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
8.2/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
49% below Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burke or Lorton more affordable?
Lorton is more affordable with a median home price of $610K, compared to $757K in Burke. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Burke or Lorton?
Burke has stronger schools overall, with a 86% average pass rate compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Burke include Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary 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, Burke or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Burke has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Burke vs Lorton?
Burke has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$8,403/yr on a $757K 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 Burke or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park, top-rated schools, and tree-lined neighborhoods. 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.