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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in McLean, VA sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in McLean, VA over the last 12 months is $1,400,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Built in 2023 by MR Custom Homes, this exceptional residence offers 7 bedrooms, 7.5 baths, and 6,580 finished sq ft across four levels. Perfectly situated on a 13,285 sq ft lot in a prime McLean location, the home blends timeless design with modern luxury. Four-inch white oak hardwood floors, soaring 10-foot ceilings, and refined details set the tone throughout.The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s
This striking, modern home offers an expansive 8,453 SqFt of living space, 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, setting the tone
Modern Elegance Meets Resort-Style Living in the Heart of McLeanNestled on a rare, flat 31,533 sq ft lot in a quiet McLean enclave, this architecturally striking residence blends modern design with resort-style amenities. The expansive, level grounds are ideal for a future pool or a game of soccer, easily watched from the comfort of the screened porch—perfect for family living and
Welcome to Unit 903 at the Regency at McLean – a rarely available east-facing condo offering stunning views and modern comfort in the heart of Tysons. This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence is perched on the 9th floor, flooding with natural light from sunrise to afternoon thanks to its prime eastern exposure. From the private balcony, enjoy sweeping vistas that include tree-lined courtyards,
Nestled in the charming community of Regency at McLean, this delightful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With 1,326 square feet of well-designed living space, this home is ideal for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle in a welcoming neighborhood. As you approach the building, you'll be greeted by beautifully landscaped grounds and extensive hardscaping
Turn-key 3rd floor unit awaits ! Tastefully decorated, practically improved, meticulously maintained property shows the proud home ownership. Renovated kitchen with recent year smart fridge, replaced chef-grade faucet, numerous cabinet and door racks provide storage solution. Dining/living room combo has gas fireplace. Living room balcony overlooking greenery and vibrant fall colors, provides
Wonderful Opportunity to Reside in the Heart of McLean! * Elegant and Sophisticated 5 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath, 3-Level, Brick Colonial will be all ready for 8/16 occupancy * Updated Landscaping * Beautiful HARDWOODS Through Out Main Level * Light, Bright & Cheerful Atmosphere! * Incredibly Generously-sized Rooms * Splendid Entertainment Possibilities! * LIBRARY * SUNROOM * Stone Hearth FIREPLACE *
Spacious 2BR/2BA Condo in the Heart of Tysons – Available 9/2/25. Welcome to this elevated ninth floor (above the trees!) 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit offering 1,327 sq ft of modern, open-concept living. The oversized primary suite includes two walk-in closets and a private vanity area. The second bedroom is ideal for guests, a roommate, or a home office.Enjoy a covered balcony,
Brentford at The Mile is a modern, pet-friendly apartment community in Tysons, Virginia near Washington, DC We offer studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom luxury apartments for rent with an impressive selection of features, including designer kitchens with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, keyless electronic apartment entry, full-sized washer/dryers and more!Residents
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