Market Overview
Leesburg is pricier ($870K median vs $610K), a difference of about $260K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Lorton offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.2M.
Leesburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Median Price
$870K
$610K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
15 days
Price Range
$150K–$5.8M
$250K–$1.2M
Top Neighborhoods
Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Schools
Leesburg has a 88% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School; in Lorton, South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Leesburg schools | See Lorton schools
Leesburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
88%
81%
Public schools
Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway), Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd).
Leesburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~50 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $870K home in Leesburg, you would pay ~$7,569/yr in property tax. In Lorton, a $610K home costs ~$6,771/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.
Leesburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Rate per $100
$0.870
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,569/yr
$6,771/yr
Notes
Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Leesburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Leesburg (10) vs Lorton (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lansdowne and Lorton Station score much higher than suburban areas.
Leesburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
10
15
Bike Score
42
20
Safety
Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% below Virginia average. Lorton is rated "Safe" (33% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Leesburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.5/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
7.8/1K
10.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
51% below Virginia average
33% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leesburg or Lorton more affordable?
Lorton is more affordable with a median home price of $610K, compared to $870K in Leesburg. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Leesburg and Lorton?
Leesburg public schools have a 88% average SOL pass rate; Lorton has 81% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage 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, Leesburg or Lorton?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Leesburg has no direct Metro access. Lorton has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Leesburg vs Lorton?
Leesburg has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K home). Lorton's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Leesburg and Lorton compare?
Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.