City Comparison

Lorton vs Williamsburg: Which is right for your family?

Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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 $370K), a difference of about $240K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 28 in Williamsburg. Williamsburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.5M.

Lorton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Median Price

$610K

$370K

Avg Days on Market

15 days

28 days

Price Range

$250K–$1.2M

$150K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington

Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony

Schools

Williamsburg leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Williamsburg, families look to Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Lorton schools | See Williamsburg schools

Lorton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

81%

84%

Top Schools

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

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

81%
84%

Commute

Williamsburg is closer to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Lorton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~30 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd

I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

None

Walkability

Williamsburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs Williamsburg (10). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and Colonial Williamsburg score much higher than suburban areas.

Lorton

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Walk Score

18Almost All Errands Require a Car
35Car-Dependent

Transit Score

15

10

Bike Score

20

42

Safety

Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Williamsburg is rated "Average" (Near 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

Williamsburg

VA

Safety Rating

Safe
Average

Violent Crime

0.8/1K

1.2/1K

Property Crime

10.5/1K

15.2/1K

vs Virginia Avg

33% below Virginia average

Near Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lorton or Williamsburg more affordable?

Williamsburg is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, 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. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

Which has better schools, Lorton or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 81% in Lorton. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Williamsburg, standout schools include Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Lorton or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~25 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.

Is Lorton or Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.