Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $520K), a difference of about $90K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 35 in Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania offers a lower entry point at $130K–$3M.
Lorton
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Median Price
$610K
$520K
Avg Days on Market
15 days
35 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.2M
$130K–$3M
Top Neighborhoods
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Lee Hill, Lees Parke, Crossroads, Thorngate
Schools
Lorton leads on school quality with a 81% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Spotsylvania, families look to Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. See Lorton schools | See Spotsylvania schools
Lorton
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
81%
74%
Top Schools
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Riverbend High School, Courtland High School, Chancellor High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Spotsylvania (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 3).
Lorton
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~70 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, Rt 1, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $610K home in Lorton, you would pay ~$6,771/yr in property tax. In Spotsylvania, a $520K home costs ~$4,472/yr. Spotsylvania has the lower rate at $0.860 per $100 of assessed value.
Lorton
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.860
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,771/yr
$4,472/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
None
Walkability
Lorton is more walkable with a Walk Score of 18 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 14 in Spotsylvania. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs Spotsylvania (6). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and Lee Hill score much higher than suburban areas.
Lorton
VA
Spotsylvania
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
6
Bike Score
20
15
Safety
Spotsylvania is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 21% 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
Spotsylvania
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
10.5/1K
12.3/1K
vs Virginia Avg
33% below Virginia average
21% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorton or Spotsylvania more affordable?
Spotsylvania is more affordable with a median home price of $520K, 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. Spotsylvania prices range from $130K–$3M.
Which has better schools, Lorton or Spotsylvania?
Lorton has stronger schools overall, with a 81% average pass rate compared to 74% in Spotsylvania. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Spotsylvania, standout schools include Riverbend High School and Courtland High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Lorton or Spotsylvania?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~70 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Spotsylvania has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Lorton vs Spotsylvania?
Lorton has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). Spotsylvania's rate is $0.860 per $100 (~$4,472/yr on a $520K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Lorton or Spotsylvania 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. Spotsylvania County combines historic battlefields with modern neighborhoods. 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.