Market Overview
Lorton's median sold price is $710K with homes averaging 29 days on market; Reston is at $591K and 26 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Lorton is pricier ($710K median vs $591K), a difference of about $119K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 26 days on market compared to 29 in Lorton. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Lorton
VA
Reston
VA
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$710K
$591K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
29 days
26 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.2M
$250K–$1.5M
Notable Neighborhoods
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Lorton has a 81% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Lorton schools | See Reston schools
Lorton
VA
Reston
VA
Avg Pass Rate
81%
83%
Public schools
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Reston is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Reston has 2 Metro stations, including Reston Town Center on the Silver line. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Reston (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267).
Lorton
VA
Reston
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
2 Metro stations (nearest: Reston Town Center)
Metro Lines
N/A
Silver
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 267
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Lorton, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $591K home costs ~$6,563/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Lorton
VA
Reston
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$6,563/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.
Lorton
VA
Reston
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
35
Bike Score
20
52
Reported Crime Data
The cited public datasets report city-level violent- and property-crime rates for Lorton and Reston. 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
Reston
VA
Reported Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.8/1K
Reported Property Crime
10.5/1K
11.5/1K
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorton or Reston more affordable?
Reston is more affordable with a median sold price of $591K, 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. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Lorton and Reston?
Lorton public schools have a 81% average SOL pass rate; Reston has 83% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Reston, South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes 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 Reston?
Reston has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Reston has Metro access (Reston Town Center).
What are property taxes in Lorton vs Reston?
Lorton has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,563/yr on a $591K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Lorton and Reston compare?
Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.