Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
McLean, Virginia is a moderately-sized city with a population of 49,909 inhabitants. The majority of McLean residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. McLean is known to be family friendly as more than 70% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 48% of residents also have children under the age of 18. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in McLean, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 29 minutes.
Living in McLean can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Virginia, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in McLean and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare McLean to Virginia and the national average.
McLean has a livability score of 81/100 and is ranked #48 in Virginia and #1,185 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as McLean ranks well in multiple categories! McLean has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that McLean has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+) and housing (A-). On a less positive note, McLean does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
The unemployment rate in McLean has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.7%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In McLean, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 95%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The McLean market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in McLean is actually affordable. The median home price for McLean homes is $1,950,451, which is 348.4% higher than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in McLean, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 33.3% higher than the Virginia average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | McLean | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 67.4% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.2% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.1% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 17.1% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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