Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $510K), a difference of about $890K. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 25 in Annapolis. Annapolis offers a lower entry point at $200K–$3M+.
Annapolis
MD
McLean
VA
Median Price
$510K
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
25 days
18 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$700K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $510K home in Annapolis, you would pay ~$4,769/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/yr. Annapolis has the lower rate at $0.935 per $100 of assessed value.
Annapolis
MD
McLean
VA
Rate per $100
$0.935
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$4,769/yr
$15,540/yr
Notes
Anne Arundel County rate; City of Annapolis adds $0.738
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Annapolis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Annapolis (18) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown Annapolis and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.
Annapolis
MD
McLean
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
18
22
Bike Score
52
32
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Annapolis is rated "Below Average" (34% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Annapolis
MD
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
2.2/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
20.5/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
34% above Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or McLean more affordable?
Annapolis is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.
What are property taxes in Annapolis vs McLean?
Annapolis has a property tax rate of $0.935 per $100 (~$4,769/yr on a $510K 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 Annapolis or McLean better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. 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.