Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $610K), a difference of about $790K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 18 in McLean. Lorton offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.2M.
Lorton
VA
McLean
VA
Median Price
$610K
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
15 days
18 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.2M
$700K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $610K home in Lorton, you would pay ~$6,771/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Lorton
VA
McLean
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,771/yr
$15,540/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
McLean is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.
Lorton
VA
McLean
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
22
Bike Score
20
32
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% 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.
Lorton
VA
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
10.5/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
33% below Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorton or McLean more affordable?
Lorton is more affordable with a median home price of $610K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.
What are property taxes in Lorton vs McLean?
Lorton has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). McLean's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$15,540/yr on a $1.4M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Lorton or McLean 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. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. 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.