Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $610K), a difference of about $93K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 16 in Springfield. Lorton offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.2M.
Lorton
VA
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$610K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
15 days
16 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.2M
$210K–$1.7M
Top Neighborhoods
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Springfield leads on school quality with a 82% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Springfield, families look to West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Lorton schools | See Springfield schools
Lorton
VA
Springfield
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
81%
82%
Top Schools
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Springfield is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Lorton
VA
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
N/A
Blue
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $610K home in Lorton, you would pay ~$6,771/yr in property tax. In Springfield, a $703K home costs ~$7,803/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Lorton
VA
Springfield
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,771/yr
$7,803/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Springfield is more walkable with a Walk Score of 32 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs Springfield (28). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and West Springfield score much higher than suburban areas.
Lorton
VA
Springfield
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
28
Bike Score
20
38
Safety
Springfield is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 36% 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
Springfield
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.7/1K
Property Crime
10.5/1K
10.1/1K
vs Virginia Avg
33% below Virginia average
36% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorton or Springfield more affordable?
Lorton is more affordable with a median home price of $610K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
Which has better schools, Lorton or Springfield?
Springfield has stronger schools overall, with a 82% average pass rate compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Springfield, standout schools include West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Lorton or Springfield?
Springfield has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
What are property taxes in Lorton vs Springfield?
Lorton has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). Springfield's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$7,803/yr on a $703K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Lorton or Springfield 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. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.