Ask Val: Where to Live in McLean

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!

Question: My family and I are moving to Northern Virginia this fall. Can you tell me more about McLean?

Answer: McLean is located between Vienna and George Washington Parkway. It is an affluent community and it’s home to the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency as well as the residences of many diplomats, members of Congress and many top-ranking government officials.

Here’s what I like about the neighborhood:

Great Location

McLean is about 8 miles from D.C., and it borders Arlington, Falls Church and Tysons. It is located just minutes away from 495, GW Parkway and the Dulles Toll Road.

Although the most convenient way to commute in McLean is by car, there are many public transportation options available. You can travel within the city by Metro, or bus. There is a McLean Metro station with the silver line going to Reston, D.C. and all the way up to Largo, Maryland.

Things To Do

There are great dining options in McLean. A few of my favorite restaurants are: Amoos Persian Fusion (everything is delicious but their saffron ice cream is amazing!), J. Gilbert’s Steakhouse (great Sunday brunch) and Tachibana Japanese Restaurant.

If you’re looking for shopping and entertainment, Tysons is only a few minutes away and it offers many options. Being one of the top shopping centers in the country, it has everything you need from movie theaters, to shopping deals, trendy restaurants and free concerts.

You have the luxury of many outdoor adventures with the convenience of having them in your own backyard. You can spend a full day enjoying the beautiful scenery and falls in 800 acre Great Falls Park, which allows activities such as bicycling, boating, rock climbing, fishing and hiking. Or check Scott’s Run for a nice hike, picnic and waterfalls.

Active Community

The McLean Community Center provides a sense of community for residents by furnishing facilities for civic, cultural, educational, recreational and social activities. They will host the McLean Fourth of July Fireworks at Langley High School and they’ll have food trucks and a DJ.

The McLean Farmers Market is one of 10 farmers markets run by the Fairfax County Park Authority. All products are grown or produced by the vendors and come from within 125 miles and The Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association will be there each week, providing horticultural information to home gardeners in Fairfax County.

For more community events, see the calendar here.

Housing

Properties in McLean are mostly single-family homes, but there’s also different options for townhomes, and condos. Here you can find all active listings:

• Active Condos
• Active Townhomes
• Active Single Family Homes

In the past 6 months, 133 condos were sold for a median price of $365,000; 38 townhouses were sold for a median price of $799,000; and 272 single-family homes sold for the highest price being $6,390,744, and the lowest price being $615,000.

Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful 4th of July!

If you’d like more information, or would like a question answered in my weekly column, please reach out to [email protected]. I hope to hear from you soon.

Val Sotillo is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, 703-390-9460.