$646,807Average Value$318Average Price per Sq Ft75Homes For Sale
D.C. suburb with an unusual past
Lorton hasn’t always been the commuter town 20 miles outside Washington, D.C. that it is today. In fact, it was once the site of Lorton Reformatory, a sprawling prison complex that housed prisoners from the early 1900s until its closure in 2001. Since then, Lorton has worked to preserve its past while transforming its prison-industrial landscape into a more residential suburb. Efforts in recent years have included repurposing the old reformatory into apartments and houses, building a new community center and remodeling the library. The town also has several projects in the pipeline, including a park on a former landfill site and an indoor ski center. “Having lived there, it’s a great community with beautiful parks, lots of new shopping and a great location,” says Susan Mertz, Realtor Team Leader at Keller Williams Capital Properties. “It’s a very friendly area.”
Large single-family homes line the streets of Lorton.
An old guard tower from the Lorton Reformatory now serves as a roundabout.
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Newer suburban homes and a converted prison
The median housing price in Lorton is about $695,000, above the national median. Single-family home prices start around $600,000 for cottages built in the 1960s and reach up to $2 million or higher for sprawling contemporary builds. “Most homes in the neighborhood are younger than the surrounding area,” Mertz says. Townhouses can start as low as $250,000 and range up to $850,000, depending on their condition and age.
In 2018, Liberty Crest Apartments opened off Silverbrook Road on the former site of the Lorton Reformatory. The development preserved many of the prison’s original details, including the red brick buildings, signage and a central courtyard. The site also has some newly constructed townhouses and single-family homes.
The Liberty Crest Apartments sit on the former site of the Lorton Reformatory.
Quaint townhouses are popular among residents of Lorton.
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Biking, hiking and golfing in Lorton
Occoquan Regional Park has 350 acres of outdoor space including hiking trails, kayak rentals and an event space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Occoquan River. Laurel Hill Mountain Bike Trails have off-road cycling through rolling hills and forests and along fields of wildflowers. Adjacent to the bike trails, Laurel Hill Golf Club has an 18-hole course on the former site of the D.C. Department of Corrections.
On the town’s western side is the former site of the Lorton Landfill. It closed and was capped in 2021. Since then, Fairfax County has proposed the development of a new public park on the site. As of January 2025, the Overlook Ridge Park project has not yet broken ground, and the proposal is going through the approval process with the Park Authority and county government.
Laurel Hill Golf Club offers a great driving range for both current and aspiring golfers.
Kids in Lorton love to spend their days on the playground at Occoquan Park.
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New cultural centers signal a resurgence for the community
The old workhouse of the Lorton Reformatory, just down the road from the main prison site off Workhouse Road, has been converted into a 55-acre cultural arts center. Today, The Workhouse Art Center has galleries, painting demonstrations, music performances and history events, and there are future plans for a new brewery and café on the site.
Lorton continues to invest in new community spaces. The new Lorton Community Center and remodeled library opened in 2022. The modern facility offers extensive programming including fitness classes, afterschool and summer camp programs, sports leagues, technology education and more. Alpine-X filed a 2018 proposal to build a 450,000-square-foot indoor skiing facility on part of the former landfill site. The project has not yet broken ground as of January 2025, but negotiations are ongoing.
The Lorton Community Center offers fitness classes as well as after school programs for kids.
The Workhouse Art Center in Lorton features artists who practice painting, sculpting, and pottery.
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The largest school system in Virginia serves Lorton
Fairfax County Public Schools has an overall A grade from Niche and is the largest school system in the state. Students living in Lorton may begin their education at Laurel Hill Elementary School, which has an A-minus from Niche, before continuing to A-rated South County Middle School and A-minus-rated South County High School. Some students are zoned for Lorton Station Elementary School for kindergarten through sixth grade and Hayfield Magnet Secondary School for seventh through 12th grade. Hayfield Magnet Secondary School focuses on STEM subjects with a highly regarded robotics team.
South County Middle School faithfully serves the community of Lorton.
Lorton students can attend Laurel Hill Elementary School.
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Major military bases and commuting into D.C.
The Fort Belvoir Army Base, just east of Lorton, and Marine Corps Base Quantico, about 17 miles northeast, are major employers in Fairfax County. The Davidson Army Airfield, part of Fort Belvoir, is just outside Lorton’s town limits. In addition to working at the military bases, Mertz says many residents commute into D.C. “Without traffic, you’re about 20 minutes outside of downtown,” she says. Interstates 95 and 395 take drivers directly into the city, but traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Alternatively, commuters can take the Virginia Railway Express from Lorton Station directly into D.C.’s Union Station. The Fairfax Connector bus service also has stops throughout Lorton and the region. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is in Arlington, about 19 miles northeast.
Lorton’s CAP Index crime score indicates a crime risk slightly below the national average. The Fairfax County Police Department, which serves Lorton, has consistently reported property and violent crime rates below the national average. Larceny, however, is a noticeable exception, with the county reporting increasing rates that surpassed national and state averages in 2023.
Running errands at Lorton’s shopping plazas
Several shopping plazas in Lorton serve residents; Lorton Marketplace has a grocery store, and Lorton Station Town Center has restaurants and doctors’ offices next to the train station. About 8 miles south, Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center and Potomac Mills are malls with hundreds of stores, movie theaters and a bowling alley. Inova Emergency Room provides basic medical care in Lorton, and the Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center 7 miles south is among the larger hospitals in the area.
The Potomac Mills Shopping Center is a one-stop shop for all retail in Cherry Hill.
Lorton Marketplace is home to many great restaurants like Glory Days Grill and Poke Bros.
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Northern Virginia weather
Located in Northern Virginia, Lorton experiences four seasons with hot, muggy summers and moderately cold winters averaging 14 inches of snowfall annually. Hurricanes, heavy rains and tornadoes are among the most common extreme weather events in the region.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
Photography Contributed By
Caleb Jones
Video By
Conar McDaniel
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On average, homes in Lorton, VA sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lorton, VA over the last 12 months is $688,550, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover home in this charming brick-and-siding end unit in the heart of Lorton — four bedrooms, three and a half baths, and three full levels with a split-level entry that welcomes you and your guests. This end unit townhome delivers extra windows and an open, well-structured floor plan, interior units simply don't get. The main level opens into generous, light-filled living space for
This renovated, architecturally impressive ranch home with a circular driveway and three fireplaces sits on more than 2 private acres adjoining Mason Neck State Park and has been beautifully updated, offering over 4,500 square feet of well-thought-out living space. The home features both a primary bedroom on the main level and a second primary bedroom on the lower level, a gourmet chef’s kitchen,
Homesite 13, The Biltmore, is a Craftmark Home, turnkey opportunity. Ready for move in! The genuine stone and hardi panel in Arctic White, make it a standout. Designed to celebrate the carefree elegance of modern living, this home’s open floorplan with multiple tray ceilings and hardwood accents in the ceilings, make it perfect for summer entertaining and lounging. Tiled accent fireplace surround
Fully renovated and move-in ready! This beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 2-full-bath home in desirable Lorton offers the perfect combination of modern upgrades, comfort, and convenience. Step inside to discover a bright and spacious layout featuring fresh finishes throughout, updated flooring, renovated bathrooms, and a stylish kitchen designed for everyday living and entertaining. With five
Dramatic Price Improvement! Schedule a tour today! Exceptional Potomac River Retreat in Hallowing Point River Estates—one of Fairfax County’s most coveted waterfront enclaves—this remarkable residence enjoys a prime position along the broad, scenic waters of the Potomac River at the edge of the Mason Neck Peninsula. Impeccably maintained and completely transformed, the home offers a refined,
Discover home in this charming brick-and-siding end unit in the heart of Lorton — four bedrooms, three and a half baths, and three full levels with a split-level entry that welcomes you and your guests. This end unit townhome delivers extra windows and an open, well-structured floor plan, interior units simply don't get. The main level opens into generous, light-filled living space for
2.5% VA ASSUMABLE LOAN to Veteran or Non Veteran - ASK ABOUT THE DETAILS - WELCOME HOME to This Gorgeous Townhome, where Comfort, Style and Convenience Come Together Beautifully - 6-YEARS-YOUNG - Main Level Entrance with Spacious Living Room & Lovely Flooring**OPEN FLOOR PLAN on Upper Level with Family Room, Ceiling Fans & Recessed Lighting**Gourmet Kitchen with Stainless Appliances, Gas Cooking,
Discover the beauty and tranquility of Mason Neck in Belmont Bay! This stunning 5.032-acre buildable lot offers an unparalleled opportunity to create your dream home in a serene and private setting. Located on a quiet lane, the property is surrounded by natural beauty and recreational activities, making it a true retreat while still being conveniently close to modern amenities. Key Features:
Create your own vision on this .11-acre waterfront community vacant lot located on Fox Glove Trail in Lorton, Virginia. Situated in desirable Fairfax County, this parcel offers an excellent opportunity for a custom home or future investment in a well-established and highly sought-after community. The property is served by public water and public sewer, providing added convenience and reducing
Stunning kitchen with expansive island nestled between formal dining room, butler's pantry, and sun-drenched, corner dining area with access to covered deck.Large great room perfect for relaxing or spending quality time with friends and family.Convenient HovHall with valet leading to private, first-floor Extra Suite and 3-car side-load garage.Secluded home office and half-bath on
Welcome home to Lorton Station! This impressive 3-level home greets you with a dramatic two-story foyer and a palladium window that fills the space with natural light. Gleaming hardwood floors flow throughout the main level, leading into a gourmet kitchen showcasing rich 42-inch cherry cabinets, sleek granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, all opening effortlessly to a sunny
Unique and quaint, this contemporary one level home is the perfect fit for an amazing lot and even more amazing location! Welcome to Hallowing Point, historical Mason Necks' coveted waterfront community.One level living at its best, accompanied by an amazing level lot. The homes unique architecture, coziness, and fabulous modernized upgrades, give this special dwelling a welcoming flare!
GREAT LOCATION WITHIN A FEW MILE DRIVE TO FT BELVOIR OR WALK TO LORTON VRE STATION TO TRAVEL TO PENTAGON OR DC. UNIQUE 3 LEVEL FLOORPLAN. 1 CAR GARAGE - MAIN LIVING AREA ON GROUND LEVEL WITH LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, KITCHEN AND GARAGE. PRIMARY BEDROOM AND BATH ON MIDDLE LEVEL AND TWO SPACIOUS BEDROOM ON UPPER LEVEL WITH LOFT AREA. QUIET COMMUNITY AMONG WOODS AND A SHORT WALK TO MANY SHOPS AND
Beautiful 3.58 acre lot close to everything and ready for you to make it your own! Located just off of Telegraph Rd, this property is minutes to the Hilltop Village Center where you can shop at Wegmans, workout at LA Fitness, and dine at many restaurants. A short drive to Fort Belvoir and just down the road to Fort Belvoir Golf Club! Commuting will be a breeze as this property is very close to
Welcome to 9243 Point Replete — A Beautifully Maintained Home in Sought-After Inlet Cove! This move-in ready gem offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and an attached 2-car garage, this thoughtfully updated home boasts hardwood floors, modern finishes, and bright open living spaces that make it easy to settle in and feel right at home.
Located outside the District of Columbia in Lorton, Virginia, the historic Lorton Reformatory has undergone extensive rehabilitation. Now known as Liberty, this community hub offers a variety of residences, a cohesive mix of shops and restaurants, as well as ample community amenities and green space.Nestled within this new vibrant hub is Liberty Crest and Power Plant Apartments,
The Cosmopolitan at Lorton Station combines luxury design with sheer convenience all just steps to the Virginia Rail Express Station. The lobby welcomes residents with refined details like exposed brick, distinctive tiling on the floor and central hearth, a copper ceiling, and glass block. Apartments feature a wide variety of high-end features and finishes like stainless steel appliances, granite
When you step into your new home at Vista, you find a thoughtfully designed open-concept living/entertainment space with sleek modern finishes, a fully-equipped kitchen, a cozy fireplace and private patio and balcony. Conveniently situated minutes from I-95, Route 1, Fort Belvoir and Fairfax County Parkway, this dynamic location offers access to the city lifestyle or provides a comfortable
Woodside is redefining what luxury living looks like in Lorton, VA. Enjoy the invigorating lifestyle available at our pet-friendly community. Our one, two and three bedroom floor plans feature many personalized amenities to ensure Woodside feels like home. We encourage you to come home and enjoy everything our Lorton, VA apartments have to offer, including walk-in closets, separate linen closets,
The Woods of Fairfax Apartments in Lorton, VA is just 15 minutes from the Metro station and 30 minutes from Washington D.C in Fairfax, County, VA. This community features newly renovated interiors with exterior renovations currently underway! The Woods of Farifax community offers one, two, and three bedroom apartment homes with quartz counter tops and plank flooring. Residents enjoy amenities
Discover the best Lorton has to offer at Sanger Place Apartments. Comfortable, quiet, and safe, our two and three-bedroom affordable and market-rate apartments in Lorton, VA touch all the points you should consider when looking for a new home. Our community is also pet-friendly, so your furry pal is more than welcome to tag along. Whatever you desire, Sanger Place has something to offer for
Experience comfort and convenience in this generous 3472 sq. ft. single-family home. With modern finishes and essential amenities, it's designed for easy living.- Stainless steel appliances: electric range, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator- Central cooling and forced air heating- Garbage disposal and in-unit laundry- Fenced yard with patio and lawn- Attached garage and
NEWLY RENOVATED BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOME!! COMING SOON! AVAILABLE SEP 1STTwo-level townhouse condo with two bedrooms & a full bath with a deck and brand new kitchen with NEW APPLIANCES. Hardwood flooring, upgraded blinds, Laundry room with full-size washer & dryer off kitchen. Amazing amenities include- outdoor swimming pool, basketball court, playground, etc. Parking permits (1 per resident
Beautiful three level townhome in sought after Lorton Station in currently being updated and refreshed! Undergoing improvements, including fresh paint throughout, new luxury vinyl plank flooring, new carpeting on bedroom level and updated kitchen countertops.The home features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The spacious living room is filled with natural light from dramatic
Pat MartinHomeServices Property Management
$3,012 per month
3 Bed/3.5 Bath Townhome with Fenced Yard / Available Now!
*Disclaimer: These visuals are just artistic representations for marketing. The final build, finishes, and layout may vary. Enjoy comfortable living in this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom townhome offering ample space and convenience. - Equipped with a dishwasher, refrigerator, and gas range- Includes a deck for outdoor enjoyment- Central cooling and forced air heating-
After the old Lorton Reformatory closed in 1999, Associate Broker for Keller Williams Capital Properties Ron Kowalski, who was just getting into real estate at the time, noticed a change happening in his area. Suddenly, the Northern Virginia suburb of Pohick was becoming a desirable place to live because home buyers no longer minded the idea of living next to an ex-prison on the other side of Interstate 95. “It's really taken a long time to get to this point,” says Kowalski. “Now, I don't get any pushback at all about prisons in Lorton because everybody knows they’re gone and this place is now a commuter’s dream.” <br><br>Pohick is a community of primarily single-family homes that starts at the shores of Gunston Cove and ends at the town center. The area is shaped like an amorphous triangle formed by its borders of highways in the northwest, marshland in the south, and Fort Belvoir in the northeast. Within are a random network of residential streets where residents stroll along their midsized sidewalks to visit friends or admire their neighbor’s hydrangeas. But land is expensive in Northern Virginia, so homes in Pohick usually take the form of town houses, very large neo-colonials situated on a small lot, or medium-sized raised-ranches on a medium-sized lot. That translates into a higher price range than the national average, with a single-family home often selling around a median price of $810,000 while some town houses sell for anywhere from $300,000 to $750,000. <br><br>As a part of Fairfax County Public Schools, Pohick students enjoy some of the Commonwealth’s best schools. Students may begin at Lorton Station Elementary, which receives a B-plus from Niche, then move on to South County Middle School, which receives an A from Niche. After another three years, students then move next door to South County High School, which receives an A-minus from Niche. The school does a great job accommodating the academic needs of students through many well-regarded programs, such as no-cost mental health teletherapy through a partnership with Hazel Health. High-achieving high school students can enroll in the school’s AP classes, which received a silver distinction for excellence in student outcomes on AP tests by College Board for their 2023 School Honor Roll. <br><br>There are a number of places nearby where you can stroll on down for a drink or a nice dinner, such as the centerpiece Lorton Station Towne Center. On a Saturday night, locals head there to get their fix of hot wings and bread pudding at Hometown Grill and Bar or margaritas from Casa Tequila Bar and Grill. During the day, the center is a small hub for retail and essential services. “I call that area ‘New Lorton’” says Kowalski. “There's a lot of health care right there too, so my dentist is right in town.” And thanks to the town center’s VRE train station, commuters and day-trippers alike can reach D.C.’s Union Station within three stops. <br><br>Kowalski also says that while the area is friendly to both commuters and pedestrians, “every once in a while, you need to get out of Pohick for big shopping or entertainment.” Fortunately, you won’t have to travel more than 3-miles to reach groceries at either an Amazon Fresh or a Lidl, but a Food Lion also exists in town for those looking to stay closer to home. For an afternoon outing, locals drive down to Mason Neck to enjoy the sights and sounds of any of its several nature trails and shorelines. But when you’re looking to stay in town, you can find walking trails, as well as amenities for sports such as basketball and tennis at Sheffield Park. Meanwhile, the neighborhood’s creatives attend lessons at Potomac Music, which also serves the community with youth summer camps and public concerts in Pohick. <br><br>Indeed, Pohick has come a long way from its days of being known for little more than its proximity to an imposing prison yard. Today, it’s known for its amenities and proximity to 95. “20 some years ago, I moved in when the prison was still here and everybody told me I was crazy,” says Kowalski. “But here I am, we're doing just fine."
Property Mix - Square Feet
Lorton Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
29
Median Rent
$3,100
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,000
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$4,000
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,950
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,000
Median Condo Rent
$2,400
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,375
Demographics
Total Population
18,796
Median Age
38
Population Density
22 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$129,158
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$149,067
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.1%
College Graduates
49.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.5%
% Population in Labor Force
78.1%
Above the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
14''
Area Factors
Fairly bikeable
Bikeability®
50/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
40/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
