City Comparison

Hampton vs McLean: Which is right for your family?

Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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 $255K), a difference of about $1.1M. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 25 in Hampton. Hampton offers a lower entry point at $80K–$650K.

Hampton

VA

McLean

VA

Median Price

$255K

$1.4M

Avg Days on Market

25 days

18 days

Price Range

$80K–$650K

$700K–$5M+

Top Neighborhoods

Phoebus, Buckroe Beach, Fox Hill, Wythe

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

Safety

McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Hampton is rated "Below Average" (42% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Hampton

VA

McLean

VA

Safety Rating

Below Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

3.8/1K

0.3/1K

Property Crime

20.2/1K

6.5/1K

vs Virginia Avg

42% above Virginia average

60% below Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hampton or McLean more affordable?

Hampton is more affordable with a median home price of $255K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Hampton prices range from $80K–$650K. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.

Is Hampton or McLean better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Hampton is a historic waterfront city on the Chesapeake Bay, home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA Langley Research Center, and Hampton University. 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.