$567,999Average Value$536Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
A world of its own
McLean Gardens is known for being a world of its own in Northwest Washington, D.C – retaining its original 1940s brick Federal- and colonial-stye buildings, with lush landscaping and a secluded feel. “It’s the city’s best-kept secret. It’s almost uncalled for; it’s like a village in the city,” says Realtor and property manager Therese Fergo, who has lived in the neighborhood for 25 years. Once the summer retreat of newspaper publisher John R. McLean – whose name lives on in the town of McLean – the U.S. government bought the property and built housing for federal workers during World War II. By the 1980s, the longstanding garden apartments had been turned into condos, ushering in a new phase with a new wave of residents. “It has an international appeal,” Fergo explains. “People from many countries live here, and there are a lot of Americans who live overseas. I speak six languages, and I use all six every day.”
A beautiful fountain with playful children on Porter Street in McLean Gardens.
McLean Gardens
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Converted dorms and single-family homes
In McLean Gardens, brick buildings line the streets. Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, and in the fall, the neighborhood is shaded in a canopy of red and orange that drops onto sidewalks. The neighborhood could be confused with a residential portion of a college campus, with its Federal- and colonial-style architecture, well-maintained shrubbery and easy walkability. Fergo explains, “They were dorms built in 1942 to accommodate soldiers. There weren’t any kitchens – they used to go to what is now the main ballroom to have meals.” Most properties are apartments, and a little more than half of residents rent. Those looking to buy can find a two-bedroom condo in the $300,000 to $700,000 range, depending on the property’s size, condition and age. Single-family homes in McLean Gardens run in the millions, from $1 to $8 million, and no two homes look the same – historic properties line the streets with unique features like balconies or turrets. Styles range from Colonial Revivals with brick or stone facades to prairie-style homes in muted tones to mission-style homes with tile roofs.
Federal style condo buildings lining Porter St NW in McLean Gardens.
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Trails taking locals into their own backyard
Newark Park spans about one city block, with playgrounds and tennis courts. For over 30 years, the park’s community garden has offered plots for residents to grow produce and plants alongside their neighbors. While their parents grow flowers, kids dig in the worm bed in the children’s garden. Pups play at Newark Street Dog Park, which has play areas for large and small breeds. Glover Archbold Park borders the neighborhood and sits on nearly 200 acres. Bikes aren’t allowed here, but walkers can traverse nearly 2.5 miles of trail. “Being directly next to a national park, there’s interaction with deer, foxes, owls, raccoons and snakes,” Fergo says. “The trails come right up to McLean Gardens. We really feel like we’re in the wilderness in the middle of the city.” The nearby McLean Gardens pool keeps residents busy in the summer, while the Hearst Recreation Center offers activities year-round.
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
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Walkable neighborhood
“Everywhere is reachable, yet when I come home, I see three or four deer grazing on the grass, even though you’re so close to the city,” Fergo says. “We’re not far from major transportation. The Metro is less than a mile away, and some busses run through.” When it’s time to fly, the Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport is about 8 miles south.
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
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A's for McLean Gardens Schools
Students are zoned for District of Columbia Public Schools. They can attend Hearst Elementary School and Hardy Middle School, which both earn A-minus scores from Niche. Students can finish their public education at Jackson-Reed High School, which gets an A. Jackson-Reed’s College and Career Center helps students prepare for the future, offering career fairs, college application assistance, trade and apprenticeship programs and more. McLean Gardens is also near two high-ranking universities: American and Georgetown.
Hearst Elementary School in Washington, DC.
Hardy Middle School is one of many options open to McLean Gardens residents.
Hardy Middle School is one of many options open to McLean Gardens residents.
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Amenities at City Ridge and more
Near the top of the neighborhood sits City Ridge, which has a Wegmans grocery store, as well as an open-air front lawn where films and local concerts are occasionally held. In the morning, locals can grab coffee from Tatte Bakery & Café or, for dinner, head to Taco Bamba, a Mexican spot. There’s another commercial cluster along Wisconsin Avenue, where locals can find a Giant Food grocery store, CVS pharmacy and a few dining options.
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McLean Gardens Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in McLean Gardens, Washington sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in McLean Gardens, Washington over the last 12 months is $437,500, down 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**Open House - 09/21/25 - 11AM - 1PM** Welcome to this sun-drenched, upper-level corner residence in sought-after McLean Gardens. Overlooking leafy trees and the community’s expansive green spaces, this 707-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence offers both tranquility and convenience in one of Northwest DC’s most desirable neighborhoods.Inside, newly refinished hardwood floors
You’ll love the unbeatable convenience of this prime Cleveland Park location! Just steps from the vibrant Wisconsin Avenue corridor, this home offers easy access to a growing array of restaurants, shops, and neighborhood favorites.This light-filled, semi-detached vintage gem—built in 1926—blends classic charm with modern updates. The open-concept main level was thoughtfully renovated in
Joan Caton CromwellTTR Sotheby's International Realty
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 9/20 FROM 11-2 PM.Two level top floor studio with loft bedroom. Bright and sunny with a skylight in the loft. Hardwood floors, granite counters, fresh paint, refinished cabinets. Newer appliances. Dryer will be replaced with a new unit. Basement storage unit. One block to Wisconsin Ave. and bus service. Just minutes from two Metro stations, Tenleytown and Cleveland Park.
This is one of the most unique layouts in McLean Gardens - it's a must see! This is a two level unit current set up with a flex second bedroom that can be made permanent prior to closing. From the courtyard, you'll find two separate access points to this two story unit - one up a half flight of stairs to the living room level and one down a half flight of stairs to the primary bedroom level.
This lovely, freshly painted, and newly revarnished hardwood floors unit comes with a corner living room with a den/dining area with a sliding door for privacy, a spacious bedroom with two closets, an in unit laundry room, and a private storage room in the basement, which is perfect for sporting equipment/bikes and storage boxes. The two sets of window corners allow ample natural light! It is
Penthouse-Level Living in McLean Gardens!This bright and airy two-level penthouse is filled with natural light and charm. The main level offers a beautifully renovated kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a window over the sink with serene treetop views. A spacious, light-filled living and dining area features vaulted ceilings, skylights, and gleaming
**Unfurnished rental rate @ $3,900/month**Located in the heart of Cleveland Park at 3401 38th St NW, this beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Nestled in a charming mid-rise brick building surrounded by manicured landscaping, this home welcomes you with a bright and spacious layout, featuring hardwood flooring
The Elaine Apartments are conveniently located in the Cathedral Heights neighborhood of Northwest Washington, DC. Your new home is walking distance to wonderful restaurants and the National Cathedral. It is also within walking distance (or a very short bike ride) to the Tenleytown Metro Station. Enjoy the benefits of having all utilities included. This property also boasts beautiful hardwood
Nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., Vaughan Place offers a luxurious living experience just minutes away from historical landmarks such as the National Cathedral. This pet-friendly community boasts a collection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, as well as townhomes, designed to cater to various lifestyle needs.The apartments at Vaughan Place feature modern kitchens
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