Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $680K), a difference of about $720K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 18 in McLean. Alexandria offers a lower entry point at $300K–$2M.
Alexandria
VA
McLean
VA
Median Price
$680K
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
12 days
18 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$700K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $680K home in Alexandria, you would pay ~$7,548/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Alexandria
VA
McLean
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,548/yr
$15,540/yr
Notes
None
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Alexandria is more walkable with a Walk Score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Alexandria (44) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.
Alexandria
VA
McLean
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
44
22
Bike Score
64
32
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Alexandria is rated "Average" (15% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Alexandria
VA
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.7/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
17.8/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
15% above Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Alexandria
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Alexandria.
View top agentsVA
Find agents in McLean
Browse verified agents with real sales data in McLean.
View top agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or McLean more affordable?
Alexandria is more affordable with a median home price of $680K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.
What are property taxes in Alexandria vs McLean?
Alexandria has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,548/yr on a $680K home). McLean's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$15,540/yr on a $1.4M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Alexandria or McLean better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated March 2026.