City Comparison

Chantilly vs McLean: Which is right for your family?

Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. 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 $710K), a difference of about $690K. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 19 in Chantilly. Chantilly offers a lower entry point at $25K–$2.8M.

Chantilly

VA

McLean

VA

Median Price

$710K

$1.4M

Avg Days on Market

19 days

18 days

Price Range

$25K–$2.8M

$700K–$5M+

Top Neighborhoods

Sully Station, South Riding, Poplar Tree Estates, Westfields

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

Property Tax

On a $710K home in Chantilly, you would pay ~$7,881/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.

Chantilly

VA

McLean

VA

Rate per $100

$1.110

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,881/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 20 in Chantilly. Transit scores: Chantilly (12) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Sully Station and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.

Chantilly

VA

McLean

VA

Walk Score

20Almost All Errands Require a Car
28Car-Dependent

Transit Score

12

22

Bike Score

22

32

Safety

McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Chantilly is rated "Very Safe" (44% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Chantilly

VA

McLean

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Very Safe

Violent Crime

0.6/1K

0.3/1K

Property Crime

8.8/1K

6.5/1K

vs Virginia Avg

44% below Virginia average

60% below Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chantilly or McLean more affordable?

Chantilly is more affordable with a median home price of $710K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chantilly prices range from $25K–$2.8M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.

What are property taxes in Chantilly vs McLean?

Chantilly has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K 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 Chantilly or McLean better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Chantilly offers spacious homes and excellent schools in western Fairfax County. 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.