Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $477K), a difference of about $133K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.
Fredericksburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$477K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
29 days
15 days
Price Range
$151K–$3.8M
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Lorton leads on school quality with a 81% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Fredericksburg schools | See Lorton schools
Fredericksburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
73%
81%
Top Schools
James Monroe High School, Walker-Grant Middle School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Fredericksburg (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Fredericksburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~65 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $477K home in Fredericksburg, you would pay ~$4,055/yr in property tax. In Lorton, a $610K home costs ~$6,771/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.
Fredericksburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$0.850
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,055/yr
$6,771/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Fredericksburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Fredericksburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
15
Bike Score
38
20
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" (47% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Fredericksburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.8/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
22.1/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
47% above Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fredericksburg or Lorton more affordable?
Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Fredericksburg or Lorton?
Lorton has stronger schools overall, with a 81% average pass rate compared to 73% in Fredericksburg. Top schools in Fredericksburg include James Monroe High School and Walker-Grant Middle 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, Fredericksburg or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~65 minutes. Fredericksburg has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fredericksburg vs Lorton?
Fredericksburg has a property tax rate of $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K 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 Fredericksburg or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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.