Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $420K), a difference of about $190K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$420K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
15 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Lorton leads on school quality with a 81% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Frederick schools | See Lorton schools
Frederick
MD
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
79%
81%
Top Schools
Urbana High School, Oakdale High School, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Frederick (I-70, I-270, Rt 15), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Frederick
MD
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~60 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-70, I-270, Rt 15, Rt 340
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Frederick is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Frederick (12) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Frederick and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Frederick
MD
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
12
15
Bike Score
45
20
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Frederick is rated "Average" (8% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Frederick
MD
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.5/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
16.8/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
8% above Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
MD
Find agents in Frederick
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Frederick.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Lorton
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Lorton.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Lorton more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Frederick or Lorton?
Lorton has stronger schools overall, with a 81% average pass rate compared to 79% in Frederick. Top schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale 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, Frederick or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Frederick has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
Is Frederick or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.