Welcome to McLean
Home of diplomats and politicians, an exclusive family-friendly neighborhood just minutes from the capital
Can you live and work near Washington, D.C., while enjoying a secluded home surrounded by nature and family-friendly parks? In McLean, you can. McLean, VA, is a 20-minute drive from the capital, but this exclusive neighborhood feels like a rural community with beautiful waterways and densely forested surroundings.
Many diplomats, politicians, military personnel, and other professionals who work in the capital make their homes in McLean, VA, for its elegant rolling hills and its quiet and spacious residential neighborhoods. With a rich landscape of international cuisine, upscale shopping, and concierge services, you’ll want for nothing while feeling cozily secluded in McLean.
What to Love
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Exclusive and elegant homes
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Tree-lined neighborhoods with a secluded feel
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Family-friendly parks and a community vibe
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Excellent restaurants and upscale shopping
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20 minutes from Washington, D.C.
Local Lifestyle
Life in McLean is about getting away from the hustle and hurry of Washington, D.C. McLean homes are built with quiet streets in mind, favoring curving arcs and cul-de-sacs with spacious yards and plenty of well-spaced parks and community amenities. McLean is the perfect escape for professionals who enjoy a few hours of quiet when home. Parents who want their children to grow up surrounded by nature with vibrant pre-schools and community playgrounds nestled into tree-lined parks will find McLean an appealing place to put down roots.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
McLean has an extraordinary landscape of both restaurants and shops to explore. Head to the center of the community to start your culinary journey with an upscale steakhouse experience at
J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steak & Seafood. This restaurant feels like formal dining but celebrates meat with a reverence rarely seen outside family gatherings. Witness exquisite cuts of steak, seafood, exquisite drink pairings, and perfectly blended sides. If there’s room for dessert, every plate is a work of art.
For gourmet breakfast or luncheon, try
StarNut Gourmet. This beautiful coffee bar serves everything you might want, from cappuccinos to gelato, with a delightful menu of crepes, tarts, and breakfast sandwiches. Or, stop at
Greenberry’s Coffee Co. just across the way for a quick cup and Danish on the go.
McLean Hardware has everything you need to DIY, including straightforward, expert advice, while
Tyson’s Galleria is the luxury shopping experience that the whole family can enjoy. The beautiful indoor shopping mall is an airy, uplifting space lush with potted flowering gardens.
Things to do
McLean is a quiet neighborhood, but there’s plenty to do. Get involved with the
McLean Project of the Arts. Explore the exhibits, buy art from local artists, or sign up for art classes and become a local artist yourself. Explore even more through
McLean Community Center as well as the
Dolley Madison Library.
The annual
McLean Chocolate Festival happens around late April and is an opportunity to try the latest confections from many regional chocolatiers. This event is fun for the whole family, with a supervised children’s area for the youngest attendees. McLean residents and visitors from nearby communities can sample and take home an incredible selection of chocolate creations in this celebration of the world’s favorite confection.
Schools
McLean schools are well known for their superior standards, partly due to the proximity to the CIA headquarters and museum. Some of the best choices for families new to the neighborhood include:
