Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $480K), a difference of about $130K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 16 in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.2M.
Gaithersburg
MD
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$480K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
15 days
Price Range
$175K–$1.2M
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Kentlands, Lakelands, Quince Orchard, Washington Square
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Gaithersburg has a 76% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Lorton schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
76%
81%
Public schools
Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg High School, Ridgeview Middle School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has 1 Metro station, including Shady Grove on the Red line. Major highway access: Gaithersburg (I-270, I-370, Rt 355), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Gaithersburg
MD
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
1 Metro station (nearest: Shady Grove)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Red
N/A
Major Highways
I-270, I-370, Rt 355, Rt 28
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Gaithersburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Gaithersburg (32) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Kentlands and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Gaithersburg
MD
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
32
15
Bike Score
45
20
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Gaithersburg is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Gaithersburg
MD
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.3/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
15.1/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Lorton more affordable?
Gaithersburg is more affordable with a median home price of $480K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Gaithersburg prices range from $175K–$1.2M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Gaithersburg and Lorton?
Gaithersburg public schools have a 76% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg 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, Gaithersburg or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Gaithersburg has Metro access (Shady Grove). Lorton has no direct Metro access.
How do Gaithersburg and Lorton compare?
Gaithersburg is a diverse city along the I-270 corridor in Montgomery County. 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.