Why People Are Moving to Lorton
If you’re thinking about moving to Northern Virginia, one place you might not have on your radar yet is Lorton. This quiet town sits about 20 miles south of Washington, D.C., and it’s becoming more popular every year.
People love Lorton because it’s peaceful, has great schools, and is close to major job areas like Fort Belvoir, Alexandria, and D.C. It offers more space and better value compared to many other Fairfax County suburbs.
But before you pack up your boxes, let’s explore what life in Lorton really looks like — from housing costs to commuting options, and even a few downsides you should know.
Quick Facts About Lorton, Virginia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fairfax County, about 20 miles south of Washington, D.C. |
| Population | Around 22,000 residents |
| Median Home Price | Around $725,000 (as of 2025) |
| Commute to D.C. | 20–30 minutes by car, 45 minutes by VRE train |
| Main Highways | I-95, Route 1, Fairfax County Parkway |
| Nearby Cities | Alexandria, Woodbridge, Fairfax |
| Unique Feature | Amtrak Auto Train — lets you travel with your car to Florida! |
Where Exactly Is Lorton Located?
Lorton sits in southern Fairfax County, between Alexandria and Woodbridge. It’s close to the Occoquan River and surrounded by green spaces and parks.
If you look on a map, Lorton is:
- 13 miles south of Fairfax City
- 20 miles from Tysons Corner
- 15 miles southwest of Arlington
The I-95 highway runs through the middle of town, making travel easy in any direction. Areas west of I-95 are newer and more residential, while the east side near Route 1 has older homes and some industrial areas.
It’s the perfect mix of suburban calm and city access.
The Housing Market in Lorton
If you’re buying a home in Lorton, you’ll find a mix of housing styles — from cozy condos to large single-family houses.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Townhomes: The most common housing type in Lorton. Prices start around $450,000 and go up to $950,000. Most are in planned communities with amenities like pools and walking trails.
- Single-Family Homes: Prices start at about $650,000 and can reach over $1.5 million for larger or waterfront properties.
- Condos: A great entry-level choice, usually priced around $375,000–$450,000.
Most homes sell quickly — usually within a month. The market is competitive, but still more affordable than Alexandria or Arlington.
Local Realtor Insight:
“Lorton gives you more space and better value while keeping you close to D.C.,” says local real estate agent Lisa Romero. “It’s one of the few places in Fairfax County where new buyers can still find room to grow.”
Popular Neighborhoods in Lorton
Each part of Lorton has its own feel. Here are a few popular choices:
1. Lorton Station
A walkable neighborhood near the VRE train station. It has townhomes, condos, and shops all in one place — perfect for commuters.
2. Laurel Hill
This is a large, master-planned community with modern homes, parks, and great schools nearby. It’s also close to the Laurel Hill Golf Club and Workhouse Arts Center.
3. Mason Neck
If you love nature and waterfront views, Mason Neck offers peaceful living near the Potomac River and Mason Neck State Park.
4. Lorton Valley
Known for affordability and a strong community feel, this neighborhood offers a mix of townhomes and single-family homes with shared amenities.
Schools in Lorton: Fairfax County Excellence
Lorton belongs to the Fairfax County Public Schools district, one of the best in the U.S. Families move here specifically for the education quality.
Elementary Schools:
- Gunston Elementary
- Laurel Hill Elementary
- Silverbrook Elementary
- Halley Elementary
Middle School:
- South County Middle School
High School:
- South County High School — offering Advanced Placement (AP) classes, STEM programs, arts, and athletics.
Fairfax County also provides language immersion programs, career academies, and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
Parents love the variety of after-school clubs, music programs, and sports teams available across the district.
Recreation and Outdoor Fun
Lorton isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s packed with things to do, especially outdoors.
Mason Neck State Park
A huge 1,800-acre park perfect for hiking, kayaking, and spotting bald eagles.
Pohick Bay Regional Park
Offers camping, boating, and a fun Pirate’s Cove Waterpark for kids. Great for family weekends.
Occoquan Regional Park
Known for beautiful riverside views, picnic spots, and a 5K walking trail loop.
Workhouse Arts Center
Once a prison, now a vibrant art campus with galleries, performances, and art classes for all ages.
Laurel Hill Golf Club
A top-rated public golf course that’s both scenic and affordable.
Locals often say, “You’ll never run out of things to do outdoors in Lorton.”
Shopping and Dining in Lorton
While Lorton isn’t a big shopping destination, it has everything you need close by.
- Lorton Station Town Center: Small shops, cafés, and restaurants like Casa Tequila and Great Harvest Bread.
- Route 1 Corridor: Grocery stores, chain restaurants, and other daily essentials.
- Nearby Shopping Areas:
- Potomac Mills (Woodbridge) – Huge outlet mall, 20 minutes away.
- Springfield Town Center – Department stores and movie theater, 15 minutes away.
- Old Town Alexandria – Unique shops and dining just 30 minutes away.
From May to November, you can visit the Lorton Farmers Market near the VRE station every Sunday for fresh produce and local goods.
Cost of Living in Lorton
Fairfax County is one of the pricier areas in Virginia, but Lorton is cheaper than many nearby suburbs like Alexandria or Arlington.
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Home Prices | Around $725,000 |
| Rent (2BR Apartment) | Around $2,300/month |
| Property Taxes | About 1.14% (≈ $6,000/year on median home) |
| Utilities | $150–$250/month |
| VRE Monthly Pass | Up to $400 for D.C. commuters |
The cost of groceries, entertainment, and health care is close to the national average. You pay a bit more for housing, but you also get excellent public services, schools, and safety.
Getting Around Lorton
Lorton is well connected by road and rail.
- Virginia Railway Express (VRE): Direct train to Union Station in D.C. in about 45 minutes.
- Highways: I-95, Route 1, and Fairfax County Parkway make driving easy.
- Bus Service: Fairfax Connector and OmniRide buses run to nearby towns.
- Amtrak Auto Train: A unique station where you can take your car to Florida — perfect for snowbirds!
Walking is limited outside the main neighborhoods, but new bike and pedestrian paths are being added each year.
Commuting to D.C.
Your daily commute depends on your schedule.
- By Train (VRE): About 45 minutes to D.C. and less than 30 minutes to Alexandria.
- By Car: 25–30 minutes on clear roads, but rush hour can stretch it to 45–60 minutes.
Many residents carpool or telework several days a week to avoid I-95 traffic.
Pro Tip: Test your commute during rush hour before deciding on a home. It makes a big difference!
Pros and Cons of Living in Lorton
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable (for Fairfax County) | Heavy traffic on I-95 |
| Great schools | Limited nightlife |
| Lots of parks and outdoor fun | Some flood-prone areas |
| Easy access to D.C. | Still-developing areas |
| Peaceful, suburban life | Fewer entertainment options |
5 Practical Moving Tips for Lorton
- Visit at different times – Drive around during rush hours and weekends to understand traffic and noise levels.
- Budget wisely – Include commuting costs like gas, tolls, or train passes in your moving budget.
- Explore neighborhoods – Lorton’s communities vary; some are quiet and suburban, others more urban.
- Join local groups – Facebook and Nextdoor groups help newcomers find services, babysitters, and community events.
- Watch future development plans – Lorton is growing fast, and new housing or shopping areas can raise property values.
The Future of Lorton
Lorton is seeing steady growth, with new residential projects and shopping areas being built each year. Fairfax County is also improving roads and public transport to make commuting easier.
Upcoming plans include:
- Expansion of Lorton Road and Route 1
- More bike and pedestrian-friendly routes
- Additional townhome and apartment communities
These updates are expected to make Lorton an even more convenient and desirable place to live by 2030.
Is Moving to Lorton, VA Worth It?
Lorton, Virginia, offers the best of both worlds — suburban peace and city access. You’ll find good schools, spacious homes, friendly neighborhoods, and plenty of outdoor recreation.
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife or a walkable downtown, you might prefer Alexandria or Arlington. But if you want space, safety, and a strong sense of community while staying close to D.C., Lorton could be your perfect match.
Conclusion
Moving to Lorton in 2025 could be one of the best decisions you make. With its growing communities, excellent schools, and family-friendly lifestyle, it’s no wonder more people are calling this town home.
Before you move, take time to visit, talk to locals, and explore its neighborhoods. You’ll quickly see why Lorton, Virginia, is becoming one of Fairfax County’s rising stars.
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