Meet Your Community: Mclean, VA

McLean, Virginia is a prestigious community known for its large lots and beautiful single-family homes. The town is located in Fairfax County, just outside of Washington, D.C. Its close proximity to the nation’s capital, the Pentagon, and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has made it a desirable residential area for diplomats, military personnel, members of Congress, and high-ranking government officials.

The town of McLean was founded in 1910 when the communities of Lewinsville and Langley merged. It is situated along the northern and eastern borders of the Potomac River, with numerous tributaries flowing through the area. This location provides a scenic environment and recreational opportunities for residents.

One notable aspect of living in McLean is the high cost of living. The area is known for its affluent residents and luxurious homes, which contribute to the elevated living expenses. However, McLean offers an exceptional quality of life with its well-regarded public schools. Residents are zoned to schools within the Fairfax County Public Schools system, known for its top-notch education. In addition to public schools, McLean is also home to private primary and secondary schools such as The Madeira School and The Country Day School, providing alternative education options for families in the area.

Transportation in and around McLean is convenient, with several major roadways passing through the town. The Capital Beltway (Interstate 495), George Washington Memorial Parkway, Interstate 66, Dulles Access Road, Dolley Madison Boulevard/Chain Bridge Road, Georgetown Pike, and Old Dominion Drive all provide easy access to various destinations, including Washington, D.C., and the nearby Dulles International Airport. It’s worth noting that the CIA headquarters are located in nearby Langley, Virginia, which is just outside McLean. While the agency employs many people from the area, it is not a topic locals typically discuss, and prying for information about it is generally considered impolite.

Overall, McLean offers a desirable residential environment with its beautiful homes, proximity to Washington, D.C., and excellent educational opportunities, but it comes with a high cost of living.

Housing Market in Mclean

If you aspire to live like the Washington elite, McLean offers a range of real estate options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. McLean offers a diverse real estate market catering to various preferences and budgets, with the option to purchase luxurious properties, pursue new construction, or renovate existing homes to suit individual needs. The most expensive home ever sold in McLean was Merrywood, the childhood home of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, which sold for a staggering $43,000,000 in 2018, highlighting the opulence of the area.

Courtesy of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

In terms of current market trends, in Q1 2023, the sales of single-family homes in McLean ranged from $750,000 to $10,800,000. Condos, on the other hand, had a price range of $235,000 for one-bedroom units to $2 million for a penthouse with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Townhomes were sold within the range of $664,000 to $1.5 million. It’s important to note that higher-priced homes typically take longer to sell compared to more moderately priced properties, with most homes selling in under 21 days.

For those interested in new construction, McLean has numerous builders constructing new homes on available lots. However, it’s worth mentioning that lots in McLean come at a premium, which can significantly add to the cost of a newly built home. Alternatively, there is also the option of purchasing older homes built between 1960 and 2000 and renovating them to meet current family needs. These homes may require updates and modifications to align with modern preferences and standards.