Named for John Roll McLean, the former publisher and owner of The Washington Post, McLean, Virginia, is home to about 51,000 residents on the banks of the Potomac River. In this Fairfax County community, large homes sit on sprawling lots. Because of its location along the Capitol Beltway, less than 10 miles from Washington, D.C., McLean is home to government officials, military personnel, CEOs and diplomats. The commuter-friendly suburb is also near the Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the Tysons area, which has a Silver Line Metro station. Aside from lavish homes and proximity to employers, McLean has an involved community. “There’s a lot of pride in living here,” says Sharon Hayman, Realtor and vice president of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, who has been selling homes throughout Northern Virginia for nearly 30 years. “People know each other; their kids have grown up here, and many of them stick around.”
Gorgeous homes with well maintained landscaping are a common sight in McLean.
McLean's metro station makes it easy for commuters to get to the Washington DC.
1/2
Potomac parks and community outreach
Residents can enjoy many outdoor spaces in McLean. Along the Potomac, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve spans nearly 340 acres. This scenic riverside park has waterfalls over rocky brooks, natural trails in the shade of tall oaks, hemlock groves and wildflowers along the forest floor. Turkey Run Park also follows the water, with hiking trails through dense forests, while nearby Clemyjontri Park is entirely wheelchair accessible. All children can enjoy the swings with high backs, use the lowered monkey bars, scale the play equipment with rubber surfaces, ride on the carousel and train or navigate the brightly-colored maze. Wooded walking trails lead through McLean Central Park, which also has a disc golf course, tennis courts and a gazebo that accommodates summer concerts.
The Dolley Madison Library, the Alden Theatre and the McLean Community Center are beside McLean Central Park. The Alden Theatre puts on many performances throughout the year, from high school productions to traveling Broadway shows, while the McLean Community Center hosts various annual events, like McLean Day, the area’s largest annual festival on a weekend in the spring. Rides light up and spin, food trucks serve local bites and live performers take the stage. A weekly event, the McLean Farmer’s Market is held on Friday mornings between May and November. Locals can browse vendors selling everything from pastries and produce to coffee beans and cheese.
Kids love playing games like tag at Clemyjontri Park in McLean.
The Dolley Madison Library in McLean is a haven for book lovers.
Live musicians pamper those shopping at McLean's farmers markets.
1/3
Some of Northern Virginia's most expensive homes
McLean’s median single-family home price is about $2.4 million, significantly higher than the national median of around $430,000. “There’s a wide variety of housing available and the value of the land is high,” says Realtor Christine Richardson with Weichert Realtors, who has sold houses throughout Northern Virginia for over three decades. “Sometimes, buyers tear down older homes to build something new.” McLean’s housing options range from multi-million-dollar estates to more modest townhomes; however, the luxury market dominates, attracting diplomats and executives. “No matter where or what you buy in McLean, you know it will be a good investment,” Richardson says. “People are always going to need to live in this area. It’s a safe bet, and properties appreciate.”
McLean boasts amazing gated properties surrounded by trees for those looking for privacy.
Fall in love with the variety of architecture McLean has to offer.
1/2
Homegrown McLean Family Restaurant and nearby employers in Tysons
In McLean’s core, around Chain Bridge Road and Old Dominion Drive, there are fast food chains and sit-down restaurants, grocery stores, and services like nail salons and barber shops. McLean Family Restaurant is in this area and has been run by the Kapetanakis family since 1969. “It’s an anchor of the community,” Richardson says. “Everyone knows it; everyone has been there for breakfast.” Tysons Corner, a megamall with hundreds of retailers, upscale restaurants and a movie theater, is about 4 miles from the center of McLean.
The CIA is headquartered in McLean’s Langley neighborhood, and in the Tysons area, many are employed at the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies, including Booz Allen Hamilton, Hilton and Capitol One. Capitol One Center has become a public destination: Visitors can hang out at The Perch, a rooftop green space with an amphitheater, beer garden, dog park and minigolf course, while Capitol One Hall hosts live performances. The recently built Capitol One Park meets NCAA standards, hosting college and summer ball teams. For medical services, the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, a leading regional healthcare provider, is about 10 miles from McLean.
McLean Family Restaurant offers a friendly atmosphere and good food for McLean guests.
McLean is home to a variety of Fortune 500 companies like Capital One.
The Tysons Mall in McLean offers a plethora of entertainment options including an AMC theater.
Inova Fairfax Hospital provides top healthcare services near Mantua.
1/4
Fairfax County Public Schools earn an A
Fairfax County Public Schools, the largest school system in Virginia and the 11th largest in the country, serves McLean. The district receives an A from Niche and educates nearly 183,000 students. McLean also hosts prestigious private schools, like the Potomac School, which serves kindergarten to 12th-grade students; the Langley School, which educates prekindergarten to eighth graders; and the Maderia School, an all-girls boarding school.
The Potomac School is a private, K-12 school in the McLean neighborhood.
Langley High School serves grades 9-12 to teenagers located in McLean.
The Langley School is a private school for preschool through 8th grade in McLean.
McLean High School is one of several quality education centers in McLean.
1/4
8 miles to Washington, D.C., plus Silver Metro stops
McLean is a well-connected suburb with access to city centers and transportation hubs. About 8 miles from D.C., McLean has easy access to George Washington Parkway and U.S. Interstate 495, commonly called the Capitol Beltway. To avoid traffic around the nation’s capital, residents can use the McLean and Tysons Corner Metro stations on the Silver Line, which provide direct connections to downtown D.C., Arlington and Reston. For air travel, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is about 14 miles away, while Washington Dulles International Airport is about 20 miles away. The area is also well-served by bus routes and bike paths.
Crime in Fairfax County
Fairfax County has crime rates significantly lower than national averages. According to local police departments, the violent crime rate in 2022 was 76 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the national average of about 379 per 100,000 inhabitants. Property crime rates stood at 834 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, lower than the national average of about 1,958 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Hanan Sabah,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in McLean, VA sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in McLean, VA over the last 12 months is $1,397,500, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
INCREDIBLE VALUE! Set on a serene 1.25-acre hilltop lot in the prestigious Langley Forest neighborhood, this exquisite 8,400 SF custom-built residence offers timeless design, exceptional privacy, and sweeping treetop vistas. Designed by renowned architect Robert Holland and crafted by builder Robert Clements in 1984, the home was further expanded by BOWA in 2001 and blends classic elegance with
An extraordinary offering in McLean’s El Nido Estates, 1730 Barbee Street is where form meets experience. Built by HP Design & Build, this new residence stirs a quiet sense of wonder—where clean lines, natural light, and thoughtful luxury create a home that speaks softly, yet leaves a lasting impression. Step inside and feel space unfold—10’ ceilings on main level, wide oak floors, and walls of
This striking, modern home offers an expansive 8,453 SqFt of living space with 4 CAR GARAGE, thoughtfully designed across three levels. With its distinctive contrast of luxury finishes and meticulous craftsmanship, the home blends comfort and contemporary style effortlessly. Upon arrival, you're greeted by a pre engineered wood wide plank floor, flanked by side light panels and elegant sconces,
PRICE ADJUSTMENT - AMAZING VALUE - LOT/LAND WITH POSSIBILITY FOR SUBDIVISION - PERFECT FOR DEVELOPERS - Located in the Lee Highway community of Falls Church. Adjacent to the Dulles Toll Road, VA-695, and I-66. Prime location, minutes to Tysons Corner, Dulles Airport, Wolf Trap, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus Reston Town Center, and the DC/MD line. ** 1.40-acre lot, 61,132 square feet - The lot is
A striking modern masterpiece in the heart of McLean, 1459 Dewberry Court seamlessly blends cutting-edge architecture with luxury finishes and thoughtful design. Built in 2022 and offering over 8,100 square feet of refined living space, this contemporary residence showcases a rare combination of sophistication, comfort, and style.Step inside to soaring ceilings, wide-plank hardwood
Bright and Cheerful 2 Bedroom 2nd Floor Unit All Ready to Go! * This is a NINE Month Lease Only -- Last Day of Occupancy is July 31, 2023 * Owner Returning From Duty * This is the Most Perfect Imperfect Condo Home! * All Systems and Appliances in Normal Working Order * Tenants Pay Electric Only! * Easy Commute to Tysons, Mosaic District, McLean Subways, I 495, Village of McLean , Dulles Toll Rd
Exquisite, Fully Renovated 1BR/1BA Condo for Rent in the Heart of McLean1591 Spring Gate Dr, McLean, VA 22102 Discover an unparalleled blend of luxury, convenience, and comfort in this beautifully renovated 1BR/1BA condo at the coveted Gates of McLean. This turnkey home offers rare features and modern upgrades in one of Northern Virginia’s most sought-after communities, the perfect home for
Handsome 2-BR Unit with Balcony * Morning Sun * All the Existing Furniture Will Be Removed by Nov 1 * Nov 1 occupancy preferred * Large BRs * Sep Dining Room * Appliances in A-1 Condition * Pool (1-time $150 fee), Playground, Volleyball close by! * Snuggled between Tysons Corner Mall, Mosaic District, Cool McLean Eateries, Falls Church City, I66, I495, and SILVER LINE METRO! * Dulles Airport
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
