Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $570K), a difference of about $40K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 15 in Lorton. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.
Lorton
VA
Reston
VA
Median Price
$610K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
15 days
14 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.2M
$250K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods
Schools
Reston leads on school quality with a 83% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Reston, families look to South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. See Lorton schools | See Reston schools
Lorton
VA
Reston
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
81%
83%
Top Schools
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Terraset Elementary
Pass Rate
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 $610K home in Lorton, you would pay ~$6,771/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/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
$6,771/yr
$6,327/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
Safety
Reston is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 27% 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
Reston
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.8/1K
Property Crime
10.5/1K
11.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
33% below Virginia average
27% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorton or Reston more affordable?
Reston is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, 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. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.
Which has better schools, Lorton or Reston?
Reston has stronger schools overall, with a 83% average pass rate compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Reston, standout schools include South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
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 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Lorton or Reston 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. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.