The Guide to Living in McLean, Virginia
Moments from the Nation’s Capital, a prosperous suburb along the Potomac River
MCLEAN, VIRGINIA
The History of McLean, Virginia
Established in 1910, McLean, Virginia stands as one of the most important cities in Northern Virginia.
Named after John Roll McLean — the former publisher and owner of The Washington Post — McLean, Virginia has long attracted some of the nation’s most important politicians, diplomats, and military personnel due to its convenient location to downtown Washington, D.C. and key government agencies such as The Pentagon and the Central Intelligence Agency.
A major beneficiary of its proximity to power, McLean, Virginia represents one of the nation’s most prosperous communities and is home to some of the finest homes and estates in the Mid-Atlantic, including historic Merrywood and Hickory Hill.
McLean, Virginia is also home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Capitol One, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Hilton. This, in addition to the burgeoning re-development of Tysons, Virginia into a walkable urban edge city, make McLean, Virginia one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most competitive markets for employment, housing, and education.
Langley Farms Colonial of McLean, Virginia. Image courtesy of David Burroughs.
THE HOMES COLLECTION
The Homes of McLean, Virginia
Explore a curated collection of the most iconic homes of McLean, Virginia
MCLEAN, VIRGINIA
“When one considers the most desirable communities in the Mid-Atlantic, McLean, Virginia stands among the very finest.”
Great Falls National Park of Great Falls, Virginia. Image courtesy of Sara Cottle.
TRAVEL GUIDE
A Weekend in Northern Virginia
Experience a weekend in Northern Virginia, a dynamic suburb of the Nation’s Capital.
MCLEAN, VIRGINIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions about life in McLean, Virginia, including the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and more.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN MCLEAN, VIRGINIA?
As one of the most desirable communities in Northern Virginia and the greater Washington Metropolitan Area, McLean, Virginia offers a variety of desirable neighborhoods, including Langley Farms, Franklin Park, and Chesterbrook Gardens.
WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR MCLEAN, VIRGINIA?
Residents of McLean, Virginia attend Fairfax County County Public Schools, including: Spring Hill Elementary School, Franklin Sherman Elementary School, Cooper Middle School, Longfellow Middle School, McLean High School, and Langley High School. In addition, McLean, Virginia is home to The Potomac School, a popular private school for students K-12.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN MCLEAN, VIRGINIA?
The median sale price for a single family home in McLean, Virginia is $1,310,000, which is roughly four times higher than the national average of $308,980. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in McLean, Virginia presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN MCLEAN, VIRGINIA?
McLean, Virginia has several fantastic restaurants, including many in nearby Tysons, Virginia. In McLean, Virginia, you can grab a quick and easy breakfast at the legendary McLean Family Restaurant. For dinner, J. Gilbert’s offers wood-fired steaks, seafood, and a lively bar. For fresh handmade pasta, try Del Grano. On Old Dominion Drive, Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen by chef David Guas offers upscale American dining in a casual atmosphere. In nearby Tysons, Virginia, Joon offers unmatched Persian fare in an upscale environment.
HOW FAR IS MCLEAN, VIRGINIA FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.?
McLean, Virginia is located just over 10 miles away from downtown Washington, D.C. If traveling by car, the George Washington Parkway is the best way to get to Washington, D.C. from McLean, Virginia. For those who would prefer to take public transportation, a Metro rail stop in Tysons Corner is the most convenient.
HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN MCLEAN, VIRGINIA?
According to the 2020 Census data, McLean, Virginia has a population of 50,773, including a median age of 47 and a median household income of $222,587.
WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE IN MCLEAN, VIRGINIA?
Property taxes in McLean, Virginia are $1.125 per $100 of assessed value for tax year 2024.
WHAT ARE THE TOP SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN MCLEAN, VIRGINIA?
Because of its close proximity to Nation’s Capital, McLean, Virginia offers an abundance of opportunities for those seeking entertainment and leisure. In McLean, Virginia, Clemyjontri Park is a popular destination for young children. For a hike, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is a great option. And for world-class shopping and restaurants, nearby Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria offers what few can match.
WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR MCLEAN, VIRGINIA?
Property taxes for McLean, Virginia are $1.125 per $100 of assessed value for tax year 2024.
THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY
Find a Trusted Design Professional in McLean, Virginia
Discover the very best Residential Architects, Custom Home Builders, Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects in McLean, Virginia
Ashton Heights Bungalow of Arlington, Virginia. Image courtesy of Stacy Zarin Goldberg.
Mid-Century Redux of Alexandria, Virginia. Image courtesy of Tod Connell.
MCLEAN, VIRGINIA
Randall Mars Architects
Randall Marchs Architects is a Residential Architecture Firm in McLean, Virginia
Langley Farms Colonial of McLean, Virginia. Image courtesy of David Burroughs.
THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY
Create Your Next Home in McLean, Virginia
With our premium concierge service, it’s never been easier to create the home of your dreams