Market Overview
Germantown's median sold price is $430K with homes averaging 33 days on market; Lorton is at $710K and 29 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Lorton is pricier ($710K median vs $430K), a difference of about $280K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 29 days on market compared to 33 in Germantown. Germantown offers a lower entry point at $175K–$850K.
Germantown
MD
Lorton
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$430K
$710K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
33 days
29 days
Price Range
$175K–$850K
$250K–$1.2M
Notable Neighborhoods
Churchill Village, Clopper's Mill, Gunners Lake, Kings Valley
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Germantown has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Germantown schools | See Lorton schools
Germantown
MD
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
81%
Public schools
Northwest High School, Seneca Valley High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Germantown (I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Germantown
MD
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-270, Rt 118, Rt 355
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
MARC (Brunswick Line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Walkability
Germantown is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Germantown (22) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Churchill Village and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Germantown
MD
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
15
Bike Score
32
20
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Germantown and Lorton. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.
Germantown
MD
Lorton
VA
Reported Violent Crime
1/1K
0.8/1K
Reported Property Crime
12.5/1K
10.5/1K
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Germantown or Lorton more affordable?
Germantown is more affordable with a median sold price of $430K, compared to $710K in Lorton (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Germantown prices range from $175K–$850K. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Germantown and Lorton?
Germantown public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Germantown include Northwest High School and Seneca Valley 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, Germantown or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Germantown has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
How do Germantown and Lorton compare?
Germantown is one of Maryland's largest census-designated places, with a range of home prices, retail, parks, and access to the I-270 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 lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 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 September 2026.