City Comparison

Frederick vs McLean: Which is right for your family?

Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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 $420K), a difference of about $980K. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 20 in Frederick. Frederick offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1M.

Frederick

MD

McLean

VA

Median Price

$420K

$1.4M

Avg Days on Market

20 days

18 days

Price Range

$200K–$1M

$700K–$5M+

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Urbana, Spring Ridge

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

Walkability

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

Frederick

MD

McLean

VA

Walk Score

42Car-Dependent
28Car-Dependent

Transit Score

12

22

Bike Score

45

32

Safety

McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Frederick is rated "Average" (8% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Frederick

MD

McLean

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

1.5/1K

0.3/1K

Property Crime

16.8/1K

6.5/1K

vs Virginia Avg

8% above Virginia average

60% below Virginia average

MD

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frederick or McLean more affordable?

Frederick is more affordable with a median home price of $420K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Frederick prices range from $200K–$1M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.

Is Frederick or McLean better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Frederick is a historic city with a thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, and growing tech presence. 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.