Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $355K), a difference of about $255K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 18 in Richmond. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.
Lorton
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$610K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
15 days
18 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.2M
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Lorton has a 81% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Lorton schools | See Richmond schools
Lorton
VA
Richmond
VA
Avg Pass Rate
81%
67%
Public schools
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Lorton
VA
Richmond
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
I-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Walkability
Richmond is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs Richmond (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and The Fan score much higher than suburban areas.
Lorton
VA
Richmond
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
28
Bike Score
20
52
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Richmond is rated "Below Average" (83% 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
Richmond
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
5.8/1K
Property Crime
10.5/1K
25.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
33% below Virginia average
83% above Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorton or Richmond more affordable?
Richmond is more affordable with a median home price of $355K, 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. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Lorton and Richmond?
Lorton public schools have a 81% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Lorton or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Richmond has no direct Metro access.
How do Lorton and Richmond compare?
Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
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 June 2026.