Section Image

McLean Gardens

McLean Gardens

Neighborhood in Washington, District of Columbia

District of Columbia 20016

Neighborhood Reviews
3.7
$565,280 Average Value
$554 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes 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.
A beautiful fountain with playful children on Porter Street in McLean Gardens.
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
1/2

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.
Federal style condo buildings lining Porter St NW in McLean Gardens.
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
1/2

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
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
1/2

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
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
1/3

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.
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
McLean Gardens
1/2

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.
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.
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.
1/3
Adreanna DeMarino
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Tyler Newbold
Video By
Tyler Newbold

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michael Rankin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl

17 min drive

Bus

Massachusetts Ave NW & Idaho Ave NW

Bus

Wisconsin Ave NW & Woodley Rd NW

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.7 3 Reviews
2.0 Nearby Resident
9/4/2022 Niche Review
I am house hunting and was considering McLean Gardens, mostly because it is a safe and clean area of town. At the same time, I find it just so very dull and boring. I love to walk and there's no way I could walk to other NW neighborhoods from here, except to the National Cathedral. Overall it's cute but really not functional, poorly connected and intrinsically uninteresting, in my opinion.
Are you familiar with the McLean Gardens neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime McLean Gardens US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

McLean Gardens Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$549,999
Median Sale Price
$544,999
Median Single Family Sale Price
$807,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,495,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$585,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
34
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$554

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,151
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Median Year Built
1942
Months of Supply
3.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,901
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,222
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,160
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
801
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    1 - 3pm

    3430 39th St NW Unit 698, Washington, DC 20016

    $675,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,322 Sq Ft
    • 3430 39th St NW
    • Unit 698
    • New 8 days ago

    This is undeniably one of the finest you will come across in McLean’s Gardens- Don’t miss out!Incredibly sunny and updated 2 bedroom plus den, 2 1/2 bath with three sides of windows surrounded by tree views and park access in McLean Gardens. Main entry level to living room, dining room, family room/den, renovated kitchen and powder room. Lower level with all above ground windows includes the

    Marjorie Dick Stuart Coldwell Banker Realty - Washington

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michael Rankin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,744
Median Age
39
Population Density
24 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$141,063
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$158,217

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
100%
College Graduates
92.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
64.4%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

65 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

66 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

60 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
McLean Gardens