Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $300K), a difference of about $310K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 24 in Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Harrisonburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$300K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
24 days
15 days
Price Range
$150K–$600K
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Harrisonburg has a 74% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Harrisonburg schools | See Lorton schools
Harrisonburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
74%
81%
Public schools
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Harrisonburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisonburg or Lorton more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Harrisonburg and Lorton?
Harrisonburg public schools have a 74% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle 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, Harrisonburg or Lorton?
Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
How do Harrisonburg and Lorton compare?
Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison 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.