Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $610K), a difference of about $350K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 15 in Lorton. Lorton offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.2M.
Lorton
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$610K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
15 days
12 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.2M
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Lorton has a 81% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Lorton schools | See Vienna schools
Lorton
VA
Vienna
VA
Avg Pass Rate
81%
92%
Public schools
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Vienna is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Lorton
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
Property Tax
On a $610K home in Lorton, you would pay ~$6,771/yr in property tax. In Vienna, a $960K home costs ~$10,656/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Lorton
VA
Vienna
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,771/yr
$10,656/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Fairfax County rate; Town of Vienna adds $0.2275
Walkability
Vienna is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs Vienna (30). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and Downtown Vienna score much higher than suburban areas.
Lorton
VA
Vienna
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
30
Bike Score
20
48
Safety
Vienna is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 55% 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
Vienna
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.4/1K
Property Crime
10.5/1K
7.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
33% below Virginia average
55% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorton or Vienna more affordable?
Lorton is more affordable with a median home price of $610K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Lorton and Vienna?
Lorton public schools have a 81% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Lorton or Vienna?
Vienna has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
What are property taxes in Lorton vs Vienna?
Lorton has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). Vienna's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$10,656/yr on a $960K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Lorton and Vienna compare?
Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.