City Comparison

Lorton vs Manassas: How they compare

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 details differ. Here is the sourced context for price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and reported crime data.

Market Overview

Lorton's median sold price is $710K with homes averaging 29 days on market; Manassas is at $548K and 29 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Lorton is pricier ($710K median vs $548K), a difference of about $162K. Both cities average 29 days on market. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.

Lorton

VA

Manassas

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$710K

$548K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

29 days

29 days

Price Range

$250K–$1.2M

$60K–$1.9M

Notable Neighborhoods

Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

Schools

Lorton has a 81% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. See Lorton schools | See Manassas schools

Lorton

VA

Manassas

VA

Avg Pass Rate

81%

72%

Public schools

South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary

Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary

These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.

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 $710K home in Lorton, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Manassas, a $548K home costs ~$6,598/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

$7,881/yr

$6,598/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

18Almost All Errands Require a Car
38Car-Dependent

Transit Score

15

15

Bike Score

20

35

Reported Crime Data

The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Lorton and Manassas. These historical figures do not describe a specific address or predict an individual's experience. Review the source period and local agency information for current context.

Lorton

VA

Manassas

VA

Reported Violent Crime

0.8/1K

1.8/1K

Reported Property Crime

10.5/1K

16.2/1K

VA

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Related Comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lorton or Manassas more affordable?

Manassas is more affordable with a median sold price of $548K, compared to $710K in Lorton (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). 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.

What are the public-school pass rates in Lorton and Manassas?

Lorton public schools have a 81% average SOL pass rate; Manassas has 72% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Manassas, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

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 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Manassas's rate is $1.204 per $100 (~$6,598/yr on a $548K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Lorton and Manassas compare?

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 right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 September 2026.

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