Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $380K), a difference of about $1.0M. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 22 in Chesapeake. Chesapeake offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1M.
Chesapeake
VA
McLean
VA
Median Price
$380K
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
22 days
18 days
Price Range
$175K–$1M
$700K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Western Branch
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Walkability
McLean is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 18 in Chesapeake. Transit scores: Chesapeake (8) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Great Bridge and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.
Chesapeake
VA
McLean
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
8
22
Bike Score
22
32
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Chesapeake is rated "Safe" (13% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Chesapeake
VA
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.2/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
13.5/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
13% below Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
VA
Find agents in Chesapeake
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Chesapeake.
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 Chesapeake or McLean more affordable?
Chesapeake is more affordable with a median home price of $380K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Chesapeake prices range from $175K–$1M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.
Is Chesapeake or McLean better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Chesapeake is a sprawling Hampton Roads city offering spacious homes, excellent schools, and access to the Great Dismal Swamp. 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.