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 leads on school quality with a 88% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School. In Lorton, families look to South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. See Leesburg schools | See Lorton schools
Leesburg
VA
Lorton
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
88%
81%
Top 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.
Which has better schools, Leesburg or Lorton?
Leesburg has stronger schools overall, with a 88% average pass rate compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High 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, 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.
Is Leesburg or Lorton better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. 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 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.