Why Live in McLean
McLean, a historic hamlet in central New York, serves as a quaint pitstop for commuters between Ithaca and Cortland. The town center, marked by a five-street intersection, features a post office, fire station, antique store, and historic inn. McLean’s 5 Stop Shop, located at Church Street and Stevens Road, offers a variety of antiques, some dating back 225 years. Across the street, the Elm Tree Inn restaurant, housed in a building from 1796, serves American classics. Residents often travel to Cortlandville, 5 miles north, for shopping at the Cortlandville Mall and dining at local eateries like Hairy Tony’s and Cortland Diner. The McLean Fire Station, a volunteer-based group, not only responds to emergencies but also hosts community events such as Sunday breakfast buffets and the annual McLean Happenin’ in the Hamlet. The neighborhood is characterized by a mix of classic architectural styles, including cottages, farmhouses, Colonial Revival, and Foursquare homes. McLean students attend schools in the Dryden School District, which includes Cassavant Elementary School, Dryden Elementary School, Dryden Middle School, and Dryden High School. McLean is surrounded by natural attractions like the Thurber Nature Preserve, O.D. von Engeln Preserve, and Lime Hollow Nature Center, offering various trails and educational programs. The Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex and nearby golf courses provide additional recreational opportunities. McLean Road, the main thoroughfare, connects to Route 366 in Freeville, with Ithaca 16 miles away and Cortland 7 miles away. The hamlet is car-dependent, with the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport just 12 miles away.
