What to know when moving to McLean, VA
Mc Lean at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 85.9% hold a bachelor's degree and only 15.6% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $250,001, making it one of the wealthiest areas in Virginia.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $3,407, which may be high for many budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 3.6% use public transit, so a car might be necessary.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $3,407 in rent if you plan to rent a home here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Mc Lean is characterized by its high median household income of $250,001 and an impressive education level, with 85.9% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The housing market is primarily for owners, as only 15.6% of the population are renters. This affluent community experiences around 125 rainy days per year, which is notable for newcomers.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rental options, as the median gross rent is quite high at $3,407.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $3,407, indicating a high rental market
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,282,800, reflecting substantial real estate investment
- 85.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's affluent character
- The poverty rate is low at 3.3%, suggesting economic stability
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime rates in Virginia indicate a relatively safe environment compared to national averages. The state's violent crime rate is 203.3 per 100,000 people, which is 37.5% lower than the national rate of 325.3. Property crime is also lower at 1,346.3 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime: 203.3 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 15.2% since 2022
- Property crime: 1,346.3 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 22% since 2022
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 43.2% since 2022, with a rate of 4.2 per 100k
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Mc Lean provides access to a range of educational institutions in the nearby area, with a total of 57 schools across multiple counties. Notable universities include:
- George Mason University
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Agora University
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Fairfax County experiences about 36.2 inches of precipitation annually, with 125 rainy days, so it's wise to be prepared for wet weather. Snowfall is minimal, averaging around 1.7 inches per year, with only 9 snow days.
**Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:**
- Great Falls Park (4.8 stars, 13,642 reviews)
- Clemyjontri Park (4.8 stars, 2,683 reviews)
- Lake Fairfax Park (4.6 stars, 2,279 reviews)
- George Washington Memorial Parkway (4.6 stars, 4,693 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.