Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $600K), a difference of about $10K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 16 in Centreville. Centreville offers a lower entry point at $245K–$3.1M.
Centreville
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$600K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
15 days
Price Range
$245K–$3.1M
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Centreville leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Centreville schools | See Lorton schools
Centreville
VA
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
84%
81%
Top Schools
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Centreville
VA
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 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
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $600K home in Centreville, you would pay ~$6,660/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.
Centreville
VA
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,660/yr
$6,771/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Centreville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 25 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Centreville (15) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Centre Ridge and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Centreville
VA
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
15
Bike Score
28
20
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% 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.
Centreville
VA
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
9.1/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% below Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centreville or Lorton more affordable?
Centreville is more affordable with a median home price of $600K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Centreville or Lorton?
Centreville has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield 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, Centreville or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Centreville has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Centreville vs Lorton?
Centreville has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,660/yr on a $600K 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 Centreville or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. 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.