City Comparison

Chesterfield vs Lorton: How they compare

Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, public schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $350K), a difference of about $260K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 17 in Chesterfield. Chesterfield offers a lower entry point at $150K–$900K.

Chesterfield

VA

Lorton

VA

Median Price

$350K

$610K

Avg Days on Market

17 days

15 days

Price Range

$150K–$900K

$250K–$1.2M

Top Neighborhoods

Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley

Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington

Schools

Chesterfield has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Chesterfield schools | See Lorton schools

Chesterfield

VA

Lorton

VA

Avg Pass Rate

79%

81%

Public schools

Cosby High School, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian High School

South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary

Pass Rate

79%
81%

Commute

Chesterfield is closer to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Chesterfield (I-95, I-295, Rt 1), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).

Chesterfield

VA

Lorton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~20 min

~30 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, I-295, Rt 1, Rt 10, Rt 360

I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd

Commuter Rail

None

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chesterfield or Lorton more affordable?

Chesterfield is more affordable with a median home price of $350K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesterfield prices range from $150K–$900K. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Chesterfield and Lorton?

Chesterfield public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Chesterfield include Cosby High School and Clover Hill 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, Chesterfield or Lorton?

Chesterfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~20 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Chesterfield has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.

How do Chesterfield and Lorton compare?

Chesterfield County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Richmond metro, offering new construction, public schools, and affordable homes south of the James River. 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.

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Chesterfield vs Lorton: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover