City Comparison

Fredericksburg vs McLean: Which is right for your family?

Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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 $477K), a difference of about $923K. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 29 in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers a lower entry point at $151K–$3.8M.

Fredericksburg

VA

McLean

VA

Median Price

$477K

$1.4M

Avg Days on Market

29 days

18 days

Price Range

$151K–$3.8M

$700K–$5M+

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown, College Heights, Idlewild, Braehead

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

Property Tax

On a $477K home in Fredericksburg, you would pay ~$4,055/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/yr. Fredericksburg has the lower rate at $0.850 per $100 of assessed value.

Fredericksburg

VA

McLean

VA

Rate per $100

$0.850

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$4,055/yr

$15,540/yr

Notes

None

Fairfax County rate

Walkability

Fredericksburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 42 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Fredericksburg (12) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Downtown and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.

Fredericksburg

VA

McLean

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
28Car-Dependent

Transit Score

12

22

Bike Score

38

32

Safety

McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Fredericksburg is rated "Below Average" (47% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Fredericksburg

VA

McLean

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

2.8/1K

0.3/1K

Property Crime

22.1/1K

6.5/1K

vs Virginia Avg

47% above Virginia average

60% below Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fredericksburg or McLean more affordable?

Fredericksburg is more affordable with a median home price of $477K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fredericksburg prices range from $151K–$3.8M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.

What are property taxes in Fredericksburg vs McLean?

Fredericksburg has a property tax rate of $0.850 per $100 (~$4,055/yr on a $477K 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 Fredericksburg or McLean better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Fredericksburg is a historic riverfront city with a vibrant downtown, unique shops, and a growing arts scene. 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.