Many people ask “Is McLean Virginia a good place to live?” The answer is overwhelmingly yes. Let’s take a look at why McLean is one of the best places to live near DC.
Why Is McLean Virginia a Good Place to Live?
McLean, Virginia is a suburb of Washington, D.C. It is often considered one of the best places to live in Virginia. The town of McLean is located in Fairfax County. It has a suburban feel, but is very close to downtown DC.
McLean has top-rated schools, shopping, lots of dining options, and it is very close to Washington DC. It is also conveniently located within 30 minutes of 2 major aiports: DCA and IAD.
Education And Public Schools In McLean VA
The quality of education in McLean is excellent, with public schools consistently receiving high grades. McLean offers a range of schooling options, including both public and private institutions.
How Expensive Is Living In McLean Virginia?
McLean is an affluent suburb of Washington, DC, and is known for its high cost of living. The median home value is over 1.1 million dollars.
In 2018, McLean was recognized as the third wealthiest city in the United States, with a median household income of $190,258. This appears to only be going up as the most recent report shows that the area has an even higher median household income now just above 220K.
Additionally, the proximity to the nation’s capital, the quality of public schools, and the various amenities offered in McLean contribute to its higher cost of living.
The cost of living in McLean, Virginia is significantly higher than the national average due to factors such as high real estate values and tax rates. McLean’s cost of living index is 203.0. This is much more expensive than the US average of 100.0 and Virginia’s overall 103.7.
Best Neighborhoods In McLean Virginia
The beautiful suburb has a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular neighborhoods in McLean include:
- Langley: Known for its large estates and impressive mansions, Langley offers luxurious living with proximity to excellent public schools and recreational opportunities.
- Tysons Corner: This neighborhood is characterized by its mixed-use developments, providing residents with easy access to shopping, dining, happy hours, and entertainment options.
- Chesterbrook: A family-friendly neighborhood that features well-maintained homes, tree-lined streets, and parks.
Each neighborhood in McLean offers its residents a high quality of life, and the proximity to Washington, D.C., makes it an ideal place to live for individuals working in the nation’s capital.
How Far Is The Commute From McLean To Washington DC?
Public transportation options are available, including the Metro trains and buses, providing easy access to Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas. Additionally, McLean has a well-maintained network of roads and interstates, such as the Beltway (I-495) and the George Washington Parkway, making it convenient for drivers to navigate the region.
The commute from McLean to Washington, DC is generally convenient as McLean is located just a few miles west of the nation’s capital. The average commute time is 25 minutes by car. However, DC is known to have heavy traffic especially around rush hour.
Depending on traffic conditions and mode of transportation, the commute might vary, but it remains relatively easy to travel between the two areas.
Dining In McLean VA
In McLean, residents are treated to a variety of dining options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. One of the prominent features of the dining scene in this suburban area is the presence of numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The local culinary landscape offers a mix of popular American fare as well as international cuisines.
Some well-known restaurants in McLean include Seasons 52, which serves fresh American dishes in an upscale setting, and Kazan Restaurant, which offers delicious Mediterranean and Turkish options. There are hundreds of restaurants within 30 minutes of McLean in Northern Virginia as well as in Washington DC.
Although McLean has a suburban feel, it remains conveniently close to the more urban areas of Washington, D.C. This means that residents have access to a wider range of dining options within a short drive. The diverse food options and proximity to the D.C. area make McLean a desirable place for food enthusiasts looking for a suburban home with easy access to urban attractions.
Demographics & Diversity
McLean, Virginia, is a suburb in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The average age of residents in this area is 46.1 years old. In terms of education levels, 55% of the residents in McLean have a master’s degree or higher, and 30% hold a bachelor’s degree.
When it comes to race and ethnicity, McLean is predominantly Caucasian, with 73% of the population identifying as such. There is an Asian community that constitutes around 10% of the population. Other racial and ethnic groups contribute to the diversity in McLean as well, and the diversity is growing in this part of Northern Virginia.
Mclean’s Public Schools
The area is highly regarded for its public schools, which receive an A+ overall grade for their quality. Families find McLean a safe and welcoming community, which contributes to its ranking as one of the best suburbs to raise a family in Virginia. Additionally, the residents enjoy the diverse environment, with people from various backgrounds coming together to create a unique community spirit.
What Are Some Attractions In McLean?
McLean offers a variety of amenities and attractions, including shopping areas like Tyson’s Galleria. Additionally, the area has numerous parks, trails, and cultural attractions.
Virginia is also very well known for having many green spaces and wineries. Just a short drive from McLean is the very bustling scene of Virginia wine country. It makes for a great day trip or an overnight trip.
Is McLean VA A Good Place To Live: Summary
The quality of life in McLean is undeniably high, with its exceptional school system, low crime rates, and proximity to Washington DC. It is also very close to both DCA airport as well as IAD airport making it very easy to get in and out of the DMV are if you need to. The only major downside to choosing McLean is that it is also one of the most expensive places to live. The average price of a home in McLean is over 1 million dollars. This is double the average for Virginia as a whole. However, for those who can afford it, the high cost of living in McLean can be offset by the numerous benefits, such as excellent schools, various amenities, and proximity to Washington, D.C. If you want your dollar to go further, then you will need to evaluate other cities that are a bit further from Washington DC.
