Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $255K), a difference of about $355K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.
Hampton
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$255K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
15 days
Price Range
$80K–$650K
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Hampton has a 65% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Hampton schools | See Lorton schools
Hampton
VA
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
65%
81%
Public schools
Hampton High School, Phoebus High School, Bethel High School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Hampton is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Hampton (I-64, I-664, Rt 258), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Hampton
VA
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~25 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-64, I-664, Rt 258
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Hampton is rated "Below Average" (42% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Hampton
VA
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
3.8/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
20.2/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% above Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hampton or Lorton more affordable?
Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Hampton and Lorton?
Hampton public schools have a 65% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Hampton include Hampton High School and Phoebus 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, Hampton or Lorton?
Hampton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Hampton has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
How do Hampton and Lorton compare?
Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.