City Comparison

Burke vs McLean: Which is right for your family?

Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park, top-rated schools, and tree-lined neighborhoods. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $757K), a difference of about $643K. Burke moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 18 in McLean. Burke offers a lower entry point at $235K–$1.8M.

Burke

VA

McLean

VA

Median Price

$757K

$1.4M

Avg Days on Market

14 days

18 days

Price Range

$235K–$1.8M

$700K–$5M+

Top Neighborhoods

Burke Centre, Burke Station Square, Longwood Knolls, Cherry Run

Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet

Property Tax

On a $757K home in Burke, you would pay ~$8,403/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.

Burke

VA

McLean

VA

Rate per $100

$1.110

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$8,403/yr

$15,540/yr

Notes

Fairfax County rate

Fairfax County rate

Walkability

McLean is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 22 in Burke. Transit scores: Burke (15) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Burke Centre and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.

Burke

VA

McLean

VA

Walk Score

22Almost All Errands Require a Car
28Car-Dependent

Transit Score

15

22

Bike Score

25

32

Safety

McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Burke is rated "Very Safe" (49% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Burke

VA

McLean

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Very Safe

Violent Crime

0.5/1K

0.3/1K

Property Crime

8.2/1K

6.5/1K

vs Virginia Avg

49% below Virginia average

60% below Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burke or McLean more affordable?

Burke is more affordable with a median home price of $757K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Burke prices range from $235K–$1.8M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.

What are property taxes in Burke vs McLean?

Burke has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$8,403/yr on a $757K 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 Burke or McLean better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Burke is a well-established Fairfax County community known for Burke Lake Park, top-rated schools, and tree-lined neighborhoods. 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.