Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $640K), a difference of about $760K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 18 in McLean. Fairfax offers a lower entry point at $350K–$1.5M.
Fairfax
VA
McLean
VA
Median Price
$640K
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
14 days
18 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$700K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $640K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$7,104/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.
Fairfax
VA
McLean
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,104/yr
$15,540/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
McLean
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
22
Bike Score
42
32
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Fairfax is rated "Safe" (35% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Fairfax
VA
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or McLean more affordable?
Fairfax is more affordable with a median home price of $640K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs McLean?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K 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 Fairfax or McLean better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Fairfax combines excellent schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.