Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $610K), a difference of about $100K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Lorton offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.2M.
Herndon
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$710K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
23 days
15 days
Price Range
$175K–$2.2M
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Lorton leads on school quality with a 81% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Herndon schools | See Lorton schools
Herndon
VA
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
80%
81%
Top Schools
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Herndon
VA
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Herndon, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Lorton, a $610K home costs ~$6,771/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Herndon
VA
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$6,771/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Herndon (28) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Herndon
VA
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
15
Bike Score
45
20
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Herndon is rated "Safe" (19% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Herndon
VA
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
19% below Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Herndon
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Herndon.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in Lorton
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Lorton.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herndon or Lorton more affordable?
Lorton is more affordable with a median home price of $610K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
Which has better schools, Herndon or Lorton?
Lorton has stronger schools overall, with a 81% average pass rate compared to 80% in Herndon. Top schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle 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, Herndon or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Herndon vs Lorton?
Herndon has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Lorton's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Herndon or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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.