Market Overview
Gainesville is pricier ($650K median vs $610K), a difference of about $40K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 16 in Gainesville. Lorton offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.2M.
Gainesville
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$650K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
15 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Heritage Hunt, Virginia Oaks, Dominion Valley, Braemar
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Gainesville has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gainesville include Gainesville High School and Battlefield High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Gainesville schools | See Lorton schools
Gainesville
VA
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
81%
Public schools
Gainesville High School, Battlefield High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Gainesville (I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Gainesville
VA
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 29, Rt 55
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Lorton is more walkable with a Walk Score of 18 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 18 in Gainesville. Transit scores: Gainesville (8) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Heritage Hunt and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Gainesville
VA
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
15
Bike Score
15
20
Safety
Gainesville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 46% below Virginia average. Lorton is rated "Safe" (33% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Gainesville
VA
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
8.5/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
46% below Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gainesville or Lorton more affordable?
Lorton is more affordable with a median home price of $610K, compared to $650K in Gainesville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gainesville prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gainesville and Lorton?
Gainesville public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gainesville include Gainesville High School and Battlefield 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, Gainesville or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Gainesville has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
How do Gainesville and Lorton compare?
Gainesville is a booming community in western Prince William County along the I-66 corridor. 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.