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
Lorton leads on school quality with a 81% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg High School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Gaithersburg schools | See Lorton schools
Gaithersburg
MD
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
76%
81%
Top 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.
Which has better schools, Gaithersburg or Lorton?
Lorton has stronger schools overall, with a 81% average pass rate compared to 76% in Gaithersburg. Top schools in Gaithersburg include Quince Orchard High School and Gaithersburg 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, 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.
Is Gaithersburg or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 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.