Buying a Home in Lorton VA
Are you thinking of buying a home in Lorton, VA? Lorton is a unique D.C. suburb in southern Fairfax County with approximately 21,000 residents. It is a diverse modern-living community perfect for active families and young professionals. The city offers an upscale small-town environment full of history, arts, culture, and recreation. With access to great public transportation systems and highly rated schools, Lorton is a great place to consider purchasing a home. At V Star Real Estate, we help our clients find spectacular homes in Lorton and throughout the Northern Virginia area.
Commuting
Lorton is located 20 miles south of D.C. With the ease of travel between Lorton and the other cities in the D.C. metropolitan area, countless government workers and other professionals live in Lorton and commute to work. Many members of the armed forces call this city home. In fact, Lorton is just 7 miles to Ft. Belvoir and 18 miles to Quantico.
If anyone in your household will be commuting by auto, you will need to be prepared for heavy traffic during rush hours. However, because Lorton is intersected by Interstate 95, the routes to neighboring cities and into D.C. are easily accessible. The city also offers several Park & Ride lots for drivers who choose to carpool. Many residents find the commute time worth the lifestyle available to those who live in Lorton.
When living in Lorton, it is important to familiarize yourself with the public transportation systems. The Metrorail is a great alternative to driving into Alexandria, Arlington, and D.C. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is the commuter-oriented rail service that runs through Lorton.
This Lorton Station even has its own Park & Ride lots. The Fairfax Connector buses serve the Lorton area and additional bus stations at Lorton Station Blvd. and Grandwind Dr, as well as Lorton Rd. and Silverbrook Rd. are widely used. There is also an Amtrak train depot, and Lorton is one of only two stations that serve Amtrak’s unique auto train. Public transportation is an important and plausible part of life in Lorton.
Cost of Living and Housing
With a median home value of 461,000, buying a home in Lorton VA is a bit less expensive than many other D.C. suburbs. While Lorton home prices are not the most expensive in the state, they are much higher than the national average. Most residents own their homes, and you’ll find almost all styles of homes in Lorton. Additionally, many neighborhoods feature community, recreation, and cultural centers.
Lorton has many newer construction townhome communities, to include Gunston Hill, Laurel Crest, Laurel Hill, Liberty Townhouses, Townes of Pohick, and Lorton Valley. These are on the more expensive end and many offer three-story homes with garages and as much as 2,500 sq. ft. You’ll find more reasonably priced townhomes in communities such as Pohick Village, Shepherd Hills, and Washington Square.
If a single-family home is what you’re looking for, you’ll find a variety of properties, from newer construction two-story brick homes to ranch-style homes on larger lots. Some of the best neighborhoods include Crosspointe and Laurel Highlands. Stone Manor is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Lorton, and homes here can cost in excess of one million dollars. The neighborhood of Harbor View is another option to consider, as it is a coveted water-oriented community that has its own private marina and events pavilion.
You may also want to check out the planned community of single-family houses and condominiums at Lorton Station. These homes are incorporated into a Town Center filled with restaurants, a gym, a professional center, and a variety of shops. This area is also conveniently adjacent to a VRE train station. If this type of living suits you, be on the lookout for housing at Liberty Market, which is a similar community in the works.
Things to Do
Lorton offers residents an array of outdoor activities. At Occoquan Regional Park, Pohick Bay Regional Park, and Mason Neck State Park residents can enjoy bird watching and multi-use trails, boat launches, and facilities with kayak, canoe, and bike rentals. Lorton is also a haven for golfers. Apart from its popular greens, Laurel Hill Golf Club is known for its tournaments and socials. Pohick Bay Golf Course is another great golfing spot that also offers fun-filled special events and tournaments.
Lorton is also home to several historical and cultural sites, attractions, and museums. Gunston Hall, the original mansion of George Mason, is now a National Historic Landmark and house museum open to the public. Additionally, the Workhouse Arts Center is a popular place to visit, as it is housed in the former Lorton Reformatory. It consists of a main gallery building, event space, theater and performance venues, and studios for visual and performing artists; many of which are converted jail cells. The center even offers arts education programs. The Lucy Burns Museum is also on-site at the Arts Center and makes up a portion of the former prison facility.
When it comes to shopping, Lorton Station Town Center is a favored spot with many restaurants and stores. Furthermore, the new Liberty Market is under construction and due to be completed in the fall of 2022. This commercial development is a fusion of historic properties and class A construction, as some of the existing structures from the former Lorton prison are being utilized. The center will boast grocers, restaurants, and small shops surrounded by upscale residential units. And, while Lorton has its own fair share of retail centers, the city is only five miles from substantial shopping and dining options in Woodbridge.
Education
Lorton is home to good public schools that fall under the Fairfax Public School System. With ratings based on academic performance and equity, South County High School is considered one of the top ranked schools in Virginia. Additionally, Logos Classical Academy and The Merit School are two great options for private education.
For higher education, George Washington University, American University, Howard University, Gallaudet University, Georgetown, and George Mason are all within driving distance. Plus, the largest branch of Northern Va. Community College is located just 13 miles away in Annandale. The Metropolitan Institute of Health and Technology is located within the city limits, and offers certifications such as website development and health programs like phlebotomy and dental assisting.
Buying a home in Lorton VA provides the sense of community homeowners appreciate. Going into this housing market can be a challenge, and we’re here to help. Contact V Star Real Estate, and we can help you find the right home for your needs. Be sure to check out our website to search for all of the latest listings in the area!
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