Market Overview
Fairfax's median sold price is $765K with homes averaging 26 days on market; Lorton is at $710K and 29 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Fairfax is pricier ($765K median vs $710K), a difference of about $55K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 29 in Lorton. Lorton offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.2M.
Fairfax
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$765K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
26 days
29 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$250K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Fairfax schools | See Lorton schools
Fairfax
VA
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
81%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Fairfax
VA
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $765K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$8,492/yr in property tax. In Lorton, a $710K home costs ~$7,881/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Fairfax
VA
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$8,492/yr
$7,881/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
15
Bike Score
42
20
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Fairfax and Lorton. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Fairfax
VA
Lorton
VA
Reported Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.8/1K
Reported Property Crime
10.2/1K
10.5/1K
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Lorton more affordable?
Lorton is more affordable with a median sold price of $710K, compared to $765K in Fairfax (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Lorton?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley 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, Fairfax or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Lorton?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$8,492/yr on a $765K home). Lorton's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Fairfax and Lorton compare?
Fairfax combines public-school access, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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 lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 September 2026.