Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $568K), a difference of about $42K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.
Lorton
VA
Manassas
VA
Median Price
$610K
$568K
Avg Days on Market
15 days
22 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.2M
$60K–$1.9M
Top Neighborhoods
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Schools
Lorton leads on school quality with a 81% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Manassas, families look to Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Lorton schools | See Manassas schools
Lorton
VA
Manassas
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
81%
72%
Top Schools
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234).
Lorton
VA
Manassas
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~45 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Manassas line)
Property Tax
On a $610K home in Lorton, you would pay ~$6,771/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $568K home costs ~$6,839/yr. Lorton has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Lorton
VA
Manassas
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.204
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,771/yr
$6,839/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
None
Walkability
Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs Manassas (15). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and Old Town Manassas score much higher than suburban areas.
Lorton
VA
Manassas
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
15
Bike Score
20
35
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Manassas is rated "Average" (7% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Lorton
VA
Manassas
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.8/1K
Property Crime
10.5/1K
16.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
33% below Virginia average
7% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorton or Manassas more affordable?
Manassas is more affordable with a median home price of $568K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M.
Which has better schools, Lorton or Manassas?
Lorton has stronger schools overall, with a 81% average pass rate compared to 72% in Manassas. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Manassas, standout schools include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Lorton or Manassas?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Manassas has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Lorton vs Manassas?
Lorton has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Lorton or Manassas better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.