City Comparison

Lorton vs Warrenton: How they compare

Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Lorton's median sold price is $710K with homes averaging 29 days on market; Warrenton is at $675K and 31 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Lorton is pricier ($710K median vs $675K), a difference of about $35K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 29 days on market compared to 31 in Warrenton. Warrenton offers a lower entry point at $225K–$2M.

Lorton

VA

Warrenton

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$710K

$675K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

29 days

31 days

Price Range

$250K–$1.2M

$225K–$2M

Notable Neighborhoods

Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Schools

Lorton has a 81% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Lorton schools | See Warrenton schools

Lorton

VA

Warrenton

VA

Avg Pass Rate

81%

78%

Public schools

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

Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary

Pass Rate

81%
78%

Commute

Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).

Lorton

VA

Warrenton

VA

Drive to Downtown

~30 min

~60 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd

Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

Walkability

Warrenton is more walkable with a Walk Score of 32 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

Lorton

VA

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

18Almost All Errands Require a Car
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

20

28

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lorton or Warrenton more affordable?

Warrenton is more affordable with a median sold price of $675K, compared to $710K in Lorton (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

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

Lorton public schools have a 81% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor 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 Warrenton?

Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Warrenton has no direct Metro access.

How do Lorton and Warrenton compare?

Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 August 2026.

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Lorton vs Warrenton: Median $710K vs $675K (2026) | smover