Outgrowing your condo but not the DMV? If you want more square footage, a yard, and a smoother commute without leaving Northern Virginia, Lorton belongs on your shortlist. Many move-up buyers are finding better price-per-foot value, newer homes, and a lifestyle mix that works for busy weeks and active weekends. In this guide, you’ll see how Lorton stacks up on price, product, commute, and amenities, plus what to plan for in your budget and timeline. Let’s dive in.
Lorton market at a glance
Lorton’s recent sales show a compelling value story for move-up buyers. As of January 2026, the median sale price is about $760,000 and the median price per square foot sits near $260. Zillow’s Home Value Index, which uses a different methodology, places the typical Lorton home value around $644,000 for the same period. The key takeaway is simple: metric and month matter, so always note the source and date when you compare.
For context, recent data shows per-square-foot figures that are substantially higher in nearby core markets. Arlington is around $486 per square foot and Alexandria is around $387. That gap helps explain why buyers trading a city condo for a larger home often find more space for the dollar in Lorton.
What you can buy
You’ll find a mix of established neighborhoods and recent master-planned communities. The Laurel Hill area is a standout, with a large-scale adaptive reuse of the former reformatory site into a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes plus parks and arts space. Fairfax County’s planning overview details the transformation and intent of the project, which many buyers read as a turnkey lifestyle shift within Fairfax County. Explore the county’s history and planning context for Laurel Hill to understand the neighborhood’s evolution.
Commute made workable
Lorton lines up well for hybrid and traditional commuters.
- Rail: Lorton Station sits on the VRE Fredericksburg Line, the most direct public transit link from Lorton to downtown D.C. Typical trips into the city are commonly in the 35 to 45 minute range depending on your stop and schedule. Check current service and timetables on the official VRE stations page.
- Roads: You have straightforward access to I-95 and the regional express lanes network. Managed lanes on I-95, I-395, and I-495 can improve travel time reliability, although toll costs vary by traffic and time of day. The federal project highlight page covers how these lanes operate and why reliability has improved for some drivers.
Pro tip: test your commute door to door. Try both a peak-hour drive with and without express lanes and a VRE run that matches your work hours. This will give you real numbers for time and cost before you write an offer.
Lifestyle and amenities
Outdoors and water access
Weekend options are a major draw. Occoquan Regional Park offers trails, water views, a marina, and event spaces, all minutes from most Lorton neighborhoods. You also have quick access to regional parks and golf, including Laurel Hill Golf Club, which many local listings mention for its well-regarded course and programming.
- Explore Occoquan Regional Park to see trails, water access, and event offerings.
Arts, culture, and community
The Workhouse Arts Center brings year-round arts programming to the heart of Lorton, from galleries and studios to performances and seasonal events. The campus continues to evolve and hosts notable public happenings that help define local identity.
- Read about recent Workhouse Arts Center programming and campus highlights.
Everyday convenience
The Lorton Station area provides daily essentials near the VRE stop, with groceries, cafes, services, and small-format retail. Larger shopping, healthcare, and services are within a short drive across southern Fairfax, and proximity to Fort Belvoir supports a steady base of local amenities.
Schools and boundaries
Lorton is served by Fairfax County Public Schools. South County High School and its feeder schools are primary public options for many addresses, although boundaries change over time. Always verify attendance zones directly with FCPS and connect with schools for the most current information.
- Contact South County High School and confirm FCPS attendance boundaries before you decide.
Costs to plan for
Budgeting beyond the purchase price will help you compare options apples to apples.
- Property taxes: Fairfax County’s FY2026 base real estate tax rate is $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value. On a $760,000 assessed value, that is roughly $8,531 per year before any district fees or exemptions. See the county’s current rates and note that assessments vary by property.
- Commute costs: VRE fares and parking, or dynamic tolls on the express lanes, can change your monthly budget. Test routes and check current pricing so you can plan with confidence.
- Ownership fees: If you are moving from a condo to a townhome or single-family home, compare HOA or condo fees, maintenance reserves for systems and roofs, and any special district charges.
- Insurance and risk: For properties near waterways, confirm flood risk before you submit an offer. Use FEMA’s Map Service Center to review a home’s specific flood zone and consider appropriate coverage.
Micro-neighborhood snapshots
Laurel Hill and Liberty
Newer single-family homes and townhomes, connected trails and parks, and direct ties to the Workhouse Arts Center define this area. Buyers who want more recent construction within Fairfax County often start here.
- Learn about the Laurel Hill redevelopment history and planning vision.
Lorton Station
Walkable convenience near the VRE with townhomes and mixed-use living. Daily errands are simple, and the train is close when you need it.
- See coverage of retail and services at Lorton Station Town Center for a feel of the area’s day-to-day life.
Crosspointe and nearby communities
Established neighborhoods with larger lots, mature trees, and access to parks and lakes. If you want a bit more yard while staying connected to Fairfax amenities, put this area on your tour list.
Move-up buyer checklist
Use this quick list to compare Lorton to your current home or closer-in options.
- Space and price: Compare price per square foot, finished basement potential, garage count, and lot size.
- Commute: Test VRE and driving during your real peak hours. Price express lanes and consider hybrid schedules.
- Schools: Confirm FCPS boundaries and program offerings with the district and school sites.
- Ownership costs: Model taxes using the county rate, and compare HOA or condo fees plus routine maintenance reserves.
- Lifestyle: Map parks, water access, arts programming at the Workhouse, and your weekly errands.
- Timing and financing: If you are leveraging equity, align loan options, possible rent-backs, or contingency strategies with your selling timeline.
How I can help
If Lorton checks your boxes for space, commute, and lifestyle, the next step is a plan tailored to your timing and finances. I’ll help you benchmark value with current comps, test commutes, verify school boundaries, and model taxes and fees so you can move forward with clarity. When you are ready, let’s walk key neighborhoods together and pressure-test your shortlist against your goals.
Ready to explore Lorton with a trusted local advisor? Schedule a free consultation with Margo D Scott.
FAQs
Is Lorton, VA a good move-up option in 2026?
- Yes if you want more space per dollar, newer housing options, and direct commuter links, and you confirm that current prices and commute times fit your budget and routine.
How does Lorton’s price per square foot compare nearby?
- Recent data shows Lorton around $260 per square foot, compared with roughly $486 in Arlington and $387 in Alexandria, which often translates to more living space for the budget.
How long is the commute from Lorton to D.C.?
- VRE trips from Lorton Station to central D.C. are commonly about 35 to 45 minutes depending on schedule; driving times vary with I-95 traffic and express lanes choices.
Which Lorton neighborhoods offer newer homes?
- Laurel Hill and the Liberty area provide a large concentration of newer townhomes and single-family homes, and Lorton Station offers mixed-use convenience near rail.
What schools serve Lorton addresses?
- Lorton is in Fairfax County Public Schools, with South County High School serving many addresses; always verify the current attendance boundary with FCPS.
How do I estimate Fairfax County property taxes?
- Multiply the assessed value by the FY2026 base rate of $1.1225 per $100 of value; for example, $760,000 equates to about $8,531 annually before district fees.
Explore VRE stations and schedules
How I-95 express lanes improve trip reliability
Laurel Hill planning and history
Workhouse Arts Center programs
Occoquan Regional Park overview
Fairfax County real estate tax rates
South County High School contact
Check FEMA flood maps
Retail context at Lorton Station Town Center
