Market Overview
Frederick's median sold price is $450K with homes averaging 34 days on market; Lorton is at $710K and 28 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Lorton is pricier ($710K median vs $450K), a difference of about $260K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 28 days on market compared to 34 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.
Frederick
MD
Lorton
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Jul 2026
$450K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Jul 2026
34 days
28 days
Price Range
$200K–$1M
$250K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Frederick has a 79% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Frederick schools | See Lorton schools
Frederick
MD
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
79%
81%
Public 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Lorton more affordable?
Frederick is more affordable with a median sold price of $450K, compared to $710K in Lorton (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). 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.
What are the public-school pass rates in Frederick and Lorton?
Frederick public schools have a 79% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Frederick include Urbana High School and Oakdale 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, 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.
How do Frederick and Lorton compare?
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 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.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 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 August 2026.