City Comparison

Lorton vs Woodbridge: 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. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. 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 $507K), a difference of about $103K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 22 in Woodbridge. Woodbridge offers a lower entry point at $145K–$2.9M.

Lorton

VA

Woodbridge

VA

Median Price

$610K

$507K

Avg Days on Market

15 days

22 days

Price Range

$250K–$1.2M

$145K–$2.9M

Top Neighborhoods

Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington

Dale City, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Potomac Mills

Schools

Lorton leads on school quality with a 81% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Woodbridge, families look to Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. See Lorton schools | See Woodbridge schools

Lorton

VA

Woodbridge

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

81%

73%

Top Schools

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

Woodbridge High School, Gar-Field High School, Rippon Middle School

Pass Rate

81%
73%

Commute

Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Woodbridge (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 123).

Lorton

VA

Woodbridge

VA

Drive to Downtown

~30 min

~40 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 123

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 Woodbridge, a $507K home costs ~$5,222/yr. Woodbridge has the lower rate at $1.030 per $100 of assessed value.

Lorton

VA

Woodbridge

VA

Rate per $100

$1.110

$1.030

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$6,771/yr

$5,222/yr

Notes

Fairfax County rate

Prince William County rate

Walkability

Woodbridge is more walkable with a Walk Score of 22 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs Woodbridge (12). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and Dale City score much higher than suburban areas.

Lorton

VA

Woodbridge

VA

Walk Score

18Almost All Errands Require a Car
22Almost All Errands Require a Car

Transit Score

15

12

Bike Score

20

20

Safety

Woodbridge is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 11% 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

Woodbridge

VA

Safety Rating

Safe
Safe

Violent Crime

0.8/1K

1.3/1K

Property Crime

10.5/1K

13.8/1K

vs Virginia Avg

33% below Virginia average

11% below Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lorton or Woodbridge more affordable?

Woodbridge is more affordable with a median home price of $507K, 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. Woodbridge prices range from $145K–$2.9M.

Which has better schools, Lorton or Woodbridge?

Lorton has stronger schools overall, with a 81% average pass rate compared to 73% in Woodbridge. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Woodbridge, standout schools include Woodbridge High School and Gar-Field High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.

Which is easier to commute from, Lorton or Woodbridge?

Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~40 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Woodbridge has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Lorton vs Woodbridge?

Lorton has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). Woodbridge's rate is $1.030 per $100 (~$5,222/yr on a $507K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is Lorton or Woodbridge 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. Woodbridge is the commercial heart of eastern Prince William County. 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.