City Comparison

Lorton vs Severn: How they compare

Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $430K), a difference of about $180K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 16 in Severn. Severn offers a lower entry point at $200K–$750K.

Lorton

VA

Severn

MD

Median Price

$610K

$430K

Avg Days on Market

15 days

16 days

Price Range

$250K–$1.2M

$200K–$750K

Top Neighborhoods

Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington

Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills

Schools

Lorton has a 81% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Lorton schools | See Severn schools

Lorton

VA

Severn

MD

Avg Pass Rate

81%

77%

Public schools

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

Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School

Pass Rate

81%
77%

Commute

Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).

Lorton

VA

Severn

MD

Drive to Downtown

~30 min

~40 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd

I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

VA

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MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lorton or Severn more affordable?

Severn is more affordable with a median home price of $430K, 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. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.

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

Lorton public schools have a 81% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill 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 Severn?

Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.

How do Lorton and Severn compare?

Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County, conveniently located near Fort Meade and the NSA. 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.

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Lorton vs Severn: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover